The Senate has ordered an investigation into the death of a corps member, Etimbuk Daniel, at an orientation camp in Enugu State following reports that he died after complications from a minor headache and alleged delays in receiving medical attention.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East, during plenary on Thursday.
Bassey expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death, saying the incident had raised questions about the quality of medical services available to corps members at National Youth Service Corps orientation camps.
The senator, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, said reports that Daniel allegedly experienced delays in accessing adequate medical care highlighted the need to examine the availability of qualified medical personnel, functional healthcare facilities and effective emergency referral systems at the camps.
He described the deceased as an outstanding student leader who had served as president of the Students’ Union Government at Akwa Ibom State University before proceeding for the mandatory national service.
Bassey said Daniel’s death had left his family, former colleagues and the Akwa Ibom State community in mourning.
Seconding the motion, Senator Mohammed Monguno, representing Borno North, supported the call for an investigation, stressing the need to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and determine whether any negligence occurred.
The Senate subsequently directed its committees on Police Affairs, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Youth Development, and Health to investigate the incident in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service.
The investigation is expected to establish the facts surrounding Daniel’s death and determine whether any lapses in medical care contributed to the incident.
The lawmakers also called for a review of healthcare services at NYSC orientation camps to prevent similar incidents and ensure corps members have access to timely medical attention.
The Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased and offered prayers for his family.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary, commended Bassey for raising the matter and urged the relevant committees to conduct a thorough investigation.
