Senate Orders Probe into NYSC Member’s Death

The Nigerian Senate has ordered an investigation into the death of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Etimbuk Daniel at the Enugu State orientation camp, following concerns over medical care and emergency response services.

The Senate adopted the resolution on Thursday after Senator Aniekan Bassey sponsored a motion of urgent public importance. He called for an urgent review of healthcare services available to corps members nationwide.

The Senate directed its Committees on Police Affairs, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, Youth Development, and Health to conduct the probe. The committees will work with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death and determine whether any lapses occurred in the medical care provided at the camp. Bassey expressed concern over what he described as “the sudden and untimely passing of the corps member, describing him as a vibrant, patriotic young Nigerian and a shining light of his community who had only set out to serve the country.”

He said the incident raised wider concerns about the quality of medical services available to corps members during the mandatory national service programme.

“The incident is not isolated, but highlights a recurring pattern of systemic negligence, poor medical infrastructure, and absence of qualified emergency personnel and rapid referral protocols across NYSC camps, underlining that the government owes a duty of care to young graduates mobilized away from their homes to serve the nation,” Bassey said.

The senator said Daniel began his national service hoping to contribute to Nigeria’s development before his death. He called for legislative scrutiny of the incident, particularly allegations of medical negligence, poor healthcare facilities, and weak emergency response and referral systems at orientation camps.

Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, Bassey said the security and welfare of the people remained the primary purpose of government. He added that the government and relevant authorities had a duty to protect corps members and ensure they received timely and adequate medical care throughout their service year.

Bassey said Daniel’s death had thrown his family, associates, the student community, and the people of Akwa Ibom State into mourning. He stressed the need for a thorough investigation. Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno, who represents Borno North, seconded the motion.

Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, also expressed condolences to Daniel’s family, Bassey, and the people of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria. Ningi urged the committees to make practical recommendations and identify measures to prevent similar incidents.

The Senate later observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased. Daniel, the immediate past Students’ Union Government president of Akwa Ibom State University, reportedly died at the NYSC orientation camp in Enugu State following allegations that he received fake medication and did not get timely medical attention.

Reports said Daniel complained of a headache at the camp and was given medication. However, his condition allegedly worsened afterwards.