NewsCompensation Demanded As NYSC Declares 3 Days’ Mourning For UniUyo Graduates Killed...

Compensation Demanded As NYSC Declares 3 Days’ Mourning For UniUyo Graduates Killed On Way To Katsina Camp

July 30, (THEWILL) – The Director General (DG) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, has directed that its flag should fly at half mast for three days in honour of five corps members, who lost their lives along the Abuja-Abaji expressway on July 28 on their way to the orientation camp in Katsina State.

The DG gave the directive while commiserating with the families of deceased corps members during a condolence visit to the families in the 2 Brigade Headquarters, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Thursday.

On behalf of the families, Rev. Isaiah Ekanem of the Methodist Church of Nigeria in Uyo, uncle of one of the deceased, appealed to the Federal Government and the NYSC to adequately compensate the families to cushion the trauma the families were passing through.

Fifteen corps members, all graduates of the University of Uyo, were reportedly involved in a ghastly motor accident along Abuja-Abaji-Expressways and five of them died on the spot even as others were rushed to the hospital for treatment.

He said that the news of the ghastly motor accident was a devastating blow to the entire NYSC family and prayed God to grant the families the fortitude to bear the loss.

Ibrahim said: “Yesterday was a Black Wednesday in NYSC, we woke up with the sad news that five of our Corps Members lost their lives along Abuja-Abaji-Kwali Expressway.

“So I had to rush down to the hospital to really confirm if it was true. Alas, it was true!

“We are completely devastated and diminished, because as a parent we know what it takes to train your child to this level. It is like an investment and it is an investment, but who are we to question God.

“There is nothing anyone can do than to pray God Almighty to give you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“The Corps Members were patriotic and were on their way to do the best for their country. It is quite unfortunate, sad and I lack words to console you.

“I want to assure you on behalf of the NYSC management and the entire staff of NYSC that you, please, accept our heartfelt condolences.

“We are directed to observe a minute’s silence and NYSC flag to fly at half mast for three days in memory of these heroes.”

The DG reminded corps members not to embark on night travels to ensure safety.

Responding on behalf of the families, Rev. Isaiah Ekanem of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, uncle of late Victor Joseph Akpan, thanked the DG and NYSC management for the prompt visit.

Ekanem appealed to the Federal Government and NYSC to adequately compensate the families to cushion the trauma the families were passing through.

He suggested that corps members be mobilised within the geopolitical zones to avoid future occurrence.

Ekanem said: “With total submission to the will of God, what I am seeing here will go a long way to console the families. That God will also give us the fortitude to bear the loss.

“I am praying that the FG and NYSC will device better means to mobilise corps members to avoid future occurrence.

“If I am given opportunity, I will suggest two things; that FG and NYSC will limit the mobilisation to be within the geopolitical zones so as to avoid long distance travels.”

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