Senate Orders Probe into Corps Member’s Death at Enugu NYSC Camp

By Atlantic Reports

The Senate has called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Etimbuk Daniel, at an orientation camp in Enugu State.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Senator Aniekan Bassey (APC, Akwa Ibom North-East) during plenary on Thursday.

Bassey said the Senate received the news of Daniel’s death with shock and profound grief, describing the deceased as an outstanding student leader who had served as president of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Akwa Ibom State University before embarking on national service.

The senator expressed concern over reports that Daniel died following complications from a minor headache after allegedly experiencing delays in receiving adequate medical attention at the camp’s clinic.

The circumstances surrounding the death, including the reported delay in treatment, have yet to be established by the investigation ordered by the Senate.

Senate Raises Concerns Over Camp Healthcare

Bassey said the incident had raised questions about the quality and availability of healthcare services at NYSC orientation camps across the country.

He identified the availability of qualified medical personnel, functional healthcare facilities and effective emergency referral systems as critical areas requiring attention.

According to the senator, the reported circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death underscore the need to review medical services at orientation camps to prevent similar incidents and protect corps members.

He maintained that the government had a responsibility to safeguard citizens’ welfare, adding that graduates participating in the national service programme deserved access to adequate medical care throughout their service.

Bassey said Daniel’s death had plunged his family, the Akwa Ibom State University community and Akwa Ibom State into mourning.

Senate Directs Committees, Security Agencies to Investigate

Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North), who seconded the motion, supported the call for an investigation, stressing the need to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and determine whether anyone was responsible for any wrongdoing.

The Senate subsequently called for a thorough investigation to establish the facts and determine whether negligence contributed to the incident.

It directed its committees on Police, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Youth Development, and Health to investigate the matter in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances of Daniel’s death and address the concerns raised about medical care at the orientation camp.

The Senate also observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased and prayed for strength and comfort for his family.

Deputy Senate President Calls for Thorough Probe

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the proceedings, thanked Bassey for bringing the matter before the Senate.

Jibrin urged the relevant committees to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

The outcome of the probe could help establish whether there were failures in the provision of medical care and whether changes are needed to emergency response arrangements at NYSC orientation camps.

For the NYSC and the relevant authorities, the central issue is ensuring that corps members have access to timely medical assessment, appropriate treatment and emergency referrals when necessary.

Until the investigation establishes the facts, the reported circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death and any suggestion of negligence remain matters requiring verification.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.