Etimbuk Went To Serve, Came Back Dead: Family Seeks Justice For Corps Member

He left home to serve his fatherland but returned in a tragedy that has left his family shattered. Barely a week after arriving at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp, former Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) Students’ Union Government (SUG) president, Comrade Etimbuk Daniel, was dead. Now, his grieving family is seeking answers amid troubling allegations surrounding his sudden death. INIOBONG EKPONTA writes.

Barely a week after reporting at the NYSC orientation camp in Awgu, Enugu State, the ebullient student leader and immediate past president of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Comrade Etimbuk Daniel, died after reportedly developing a headache.

The sudden and unexpected news of his death threw the university’s two campuses into mourning. The main campus at Ikot Akpaden in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area and the Obio Akpa campus in Abak Local Government Area were enveloped in grief as students struggled to come to terms with the loss of their former leader.

According to accounts surrounding the incident, Daniel initially complained of a headache and was given medication. His condition allegedly deteriorated afterwards, with reports suggesting that his request for hospital attention was delayed and that he died before receiving what some described as adequate medical care.

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There were also allegations that a doctor subsequently identified the medication as fake. These claims have yet to be independently verified and require a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.

Speaking with our correspondent, ToroAbasi Effiong Titus, a close friend and colleague of the deceased in the Department of Crop Science, said he had spoken with Daniel on the telephone on the day of the incident.

“I spoke with him on the phone that day, and he didn’t sound like someone who would die suddenly,” Titus said.

Amid growing concerns over the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), in a statement condemning the alleged mishandling of the medical emergency, called for a proper investigation to establish the immediate and remote causes of the tragedy.

Similarly, the Concerned AKSU Students (CAS) called for an urgent investigation and an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The group also urged the university management to collaborate with Daniel’s parents and family in the investigation.

Despite the NYSC authorities’ rejection of allegations of foul play, Daniel’s family has continued to demand answers.

The deceased’s father, Mr Daniel Sunday, fought back tears while speaking with our correspondent at the family’s country home in Ikot Etim, Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

He said nothing could ease the pain of losing his son, except obtaining a clear account of what led to his death. According to him, Daniel was full of life when he left home for the orientation camp.

Recalling his son’s leadership qualities, the grieving father described him as a natural leader who had distinguished himself in student politics before graduating. He called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his death, insisting that justice must be served to bring some measure of relief to the family.

In its account of the incident, however, the NYSC, through its Enugu State coordinator, exonerated the scheme from allegations of negligence and provided details of the efforts reportedly made to save Daniel’s life.

The coordinator recalled that Daniel fell ill on the day of the incident and was reportedly experiencing low blood pressure.

“Efforts were initially made to manage his condition at the camp. However, when his condition could not be adequately managed, the decision was taken to transfer him to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, for further medical attention.

“Daniel was accompanied to the hospital by his brother and some fellow corps members. Before his departure, he reportedly spoke with his mother, who prayed with him.

“Sadly, Daniel died less than two hours after arriving at the hospital,” the state coordinator said.

The coordinator also disclosed that Daniel’s parents declined to have his body deposited in a mortuary, opting instead for it to be taken directly to a church, in keeping with the family’s Christian faith. His parents were reportedly pastors with The Chosen Revival Ministry.

Before his death, Daniel served as the leader of Platoon 2 and was described as an active and committed participant in camp activities.

Nevertheless, concerns persisted among some corps members and other observers over the adequacy and timeliness of the medical response to his condition.

Questions were raised about whether medical intervention was administered promptly, the allegations surrounding the medication given to him, and the distance between the orientation camp and UNTH. Some corps members reportedly argued that the hospital was too far away to ensure the swift treatment required in an emergency.

While these claims remain unverified, Daniel’s death has intensified calls for an independent investigation into the medical care available at NYSC orientation camps and the procedures for handling emergencies.

Meanwhile, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has expressed deep sadness over the death of the former student leader.

In a condolence message released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, the governor described Daniel’s death as “a painful and devastating loss, not only to his family but to the entire student community of Akwa Ibom State.”

“I received with sadness the news of the tragic passing of Comrade Etimbuk Daniel, a promising young leader whose life was cut short while answering the call to serve our nation.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the leadership and members of the National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students (NAKISS), the entire student community of Akwa Ibom extraction across the world, and Students’ Union Government presidents across our tertiary institutions.

“Our youths are our future, and losing such a brilliant young man, with a bright future ahead of him, is deeply painful. His passing represents a huge loss to our state and the student community he served with dedication.

“At this difficult moment, I pray that God Almighty grants his family, friends, colleagues and others the strength to bear the loss.”