Lawmakers to Investigate Death of NYSC Member in Enugu

The House of Representatives has started an investigation into the death of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Etimbuk Sunday, at the Orientation Camp in Enugu State. This comes after concerns from a lawmaker about the medical care he received before he died.

The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance by Unyime Idem (APC, Akwa Ibom) during Tuesday's plenary session.

This move follows a similar call for investigation from the Senate. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has also started looking into the death. They are checking the medicines given to the deceased.

Mr Daniel, the former President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) at Akwa Ibom State University, fell ill at the NYSC camp in Awgu, Enugu State, in early October.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that he first went to the camp clinic on 7 October with signs of malaria or typhoid. He received treatment and was sent home with oral medication. Sadly, his health worsened after that.

In his motion, Mr Idem, who chairs the House Committee on Public Procurement, said Mr Sunday died on 11 October after falling ill during his orientation program. He expressed worries about the treatment Mr Sunday received, how his condition got worse, and the delay in sending him to a hospital.

He called for an independent investigation to find out what happened and if the right medical procedures were followed. Mr Idem also mentioned troubling reports that Mr Sunday’s body was given to his family naked and with visible bruises. He said this situation needs more investigation.

He asked the House to ensure that these claims are fully looked into. This will help answer questions for the grieving family and see if any mistakes were made.

After agreeing to the motion, the House instructed its Committees on Youth Development, Health Care Services, Police Affairs, and Human Rights to work together on the investigation. They must present their findings within four weeks.

The committees will review the medical care Mr Sunday received, how his condition declined, the delay in his hospital referral, and the details of how his body was returned to his family.