Buhari orders probe of NYSC member’s death

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has ordered a probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of Ifedolapo Oladepo, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2016 Batch ‘B’ Orientation Programme posted to Kano State.

He gave the order on Wednesday in Abuja while commiserating with the families of three NYSC members who lost their lives recently during the orientation programme in three states.

Apart from Ifedolapo, other deceased Corps members are Chinyerum Nwenenda Elechi and Monday Asuquo Ukeme, who died in Bayelsa and Zamfara states respectively.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the president on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the president was particularly keen for the circumstances leading to the death of Ifedolapo to be unravelled and has therefore ordered an independent investigation into her case.

The President, who described the demise of these young Nigerians as “shocking, sad and unfortunate,” regretted that they died in the course of answering the national call to serve.

He urged the families, friends and associates of the deceased to be consoled by the knowledge that their loved ones paid the supreme price while on national service and not for ignoble reasons.

President Buhari also extended condolences to the Director-General and management of the NYSC over the transition of the youth corps members.

While enjoining the management of NYSC to do all within its powers to protect the lives of those under its charge, the President called on parents and guardians of current and potential NYSC participants not to panic over the recent tragic deaths.

He prayed that God would grant the souls of the departed youth’s eternal rest.