President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered an independent investigation into the death of a 2016 Batch ‘B’ corps member, Miss Ifedolapo Oladepo, who died at the Kano Orientation Camp recently.
The directive came barely 24 hours after the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig. Gen. Suleiman Kazaure, announced that the corps member died of renal sepsis occasioned by urinary tract infection.
The Special Adviser to the President in Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, announced the President’s decision to institute a probe into the lady’s death in a statement he made available to journalists on Wednesday.
Adesina said the investigation was meant to “unravel the true circumstances” surrounding Oladepo’s death.
He also quoted Buhari as commiserating with the families of all the three corps members who lost their lives recently during the 2016 Batch ‘B’ Orientation Programme in three states.
He listed the deceased to include Chinyerum Nwenenda Elechi; Oladepo and Monday Asuquo Ukeme, in Bayelsa, Kano and Zamfara states respectively.
He quoted the President as describing the death of the young Nigerians as “shocking, sad and unfortunate.”
Buhari also 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.
The statement read, “President Buhari also extends condolences to the Director-General and Management of the NYSC over the transition of the youth corps members, Chinyerum Nwenenda Elechi, Ifedolapo Oladepo and Monday Asuquo Ukeme, in Bayelsa, Kano and Zamfara states respectively.
“While enjoining the management to do all within its powers to protect the lives of those under its charge, the President calls on parents and guardians of current and potential NYSC participants not to panic over the recent tragic deaths.
“On the particular death of Miss Ifedolapo Oladepo in Kano State, President Buhari has ordered an independent investigation to unravel the true circumstances. He prays that God will grant the souls of the departed youths eternal rest.”