Two NYSC members killed during robbery operation in Yenagoa

SIX men suspected to be armed robbers yesterday stormed the residence of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members along School Road in the Swali area of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, killing two persons, leaving one other critically injured.

One of the dead corps member, identified as Popoola Oluwatobi Olamide was a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and an indigene of Oyo State.

While the other deceased corps member, who could not be immediately identified, was reported to have struggled with their killers and sustained bullet injuries, died on his way to the hospital.

During a visit to the home of the deceased corps members, traces of blood was seen all over the floor and the room riddled with bullets.

While neighbours told Tribune Online that the suspected armed robbers numbering six, arrived the residence of the deceased about 10.30pm, saying “we heard the gunshot from the direction of the corps members’ room. One of them was heard shouting ‘Jesus!’ repeated times and asking what was their crime. Another shot sounded and he stopped talking.”

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The neighbour further explained that the deceased corps members, who were attached to a private school known as Victory Group of Schools, close to their residence were marking exam scripts before the hoodlums attacked.

The neighbours described the deceased corps members as quiet and easy going individuals.

“They hardly keep late night and only take fresh air by their door when there is a power outage.”

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olushola David, who visited the State Secretariat of the National Youth Service Corps and met with the State Director, Mrs Lotto Bolade, expressed shock over the incident and assured the NYSC of a rejigged security strategy to ensure the safety of serving Corp members in the State.

The Police Commissioner told the NYSC Management that he has briefed the State Governor, Hon Seriake Dickson, on the incident.

“There is nobody that will hear the incident that would not be shocked. The corps members in the State may be scared but please assure them that there will be improved security under my watch.”

The State Director of the NYSC, while responding, told the Commissioner of Police that the issue of attacks on service corps members in the State has become worrisome.

“These hoodlums have been attacking corps members consistently. The Director-General has had cause to write to the State Governor and the matter reduced. There is no day we don’t record cases of attack against corps members.”

She also confirmed that the third and serving corps member in the attack, identified as Dada, survived as the bullet went into him and came out clean from the other side.