Buhari orders ‘independent investigation’ into corps member’s death

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered an independent investigation into the death of Ifedolapo Oladepo, a corps member who died in Kano state.

On Tuesday, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) released a report of its own investigation, stating that the deceased died of untreated kidney infection.

A statement issued on Wednesday by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, expressed Buhari’s condolences to the families of three NYSC members who lost their lives recently during the 2016 batch ‘B’ orientation programme in three states.

“The president, who describes the demise of these young Nigerians as ‘shocking, sad and unfortunate’, regrets that they died in the course of answering the national call to serve,” he said.

“He urges 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 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.”