News
Confusion As Policeman Shoots NYSC Member Dead …Senate Probes Death
A Female corps member was allegedly shot dead last Wednesday by a SARS officer identified as Benjamin Peters in Abuja.
The deceased, Linda Angela Igwetu was billed to pass out of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) programme yesterday, after a compulsory one year service in Abuja.
She was said to have gone out with her friends as part of celebration for the completion of her one year service when the incident happened.
The incident happened around Ceddi Plaza, Abuja.
Narrating what happened, the Convener of EndSARS, Segun Awosanya told newsmen: “She finished at work late at about 11pm and joined a few friends to a hang out before their Passing Out Parade scheduled for Thursday (yesterday).
“They left for home at about 3am and was shot at shortly after the check point immediately after Ceddi Plaza by a Police Officer identified as Benjamin Peters.
“The bullet hit Angela on her side and she began losing blood in the open roof vehicle.
“She was rushed to the Garki hospital but they wouldn’t treat her until they see a police report despite the fact that the police officers were present. While the deliberation was ongoing, Angela bled to death.
The Senate yesterday resolved to probe the untimely death of a female member of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Miss Angela Linda Igwetu.
It, therefore, mandated its committees on youths, health and police to investigate the tragic incident and report back to the Senate in two weeks.
This resolution followed an adopted Order 42 and 52 raised by Aita Aidoko representing Kogi-East senatorial district.
In his presentation, Aidoko said, “Mr President, I came under Order 42 and 52 of the rules of the Senate because of the unfortunate incident that happened where a youth corps member was killed by a trigger-happy policeman.”
The lawmaker continued, “Mr President, from the onset, with the assent of the compulsory treatment of gunshot victim’s bill in December 2017, victims of gunshot and car accidents can now receive immediate treatment in the hospitals without police report.
“Mr. President, this was a bill that was passed and the President assented to it. But despite this, Mr. President, two nights ago, Miss Linda Angela Igwetu, serving in Abuja was allegedly shot by a trigger-happy police officer.
“The deceased was to pass out from the National youth Service Corps, NYSC, programme today July 5, (yesterday) after a compulsory one year service in Abuja.
“Her place of primary assignment was at one company at Mabuchi, an outskirts of Abuja metropolis. She finished work late 11pm Tuesday, and joined a few friends for a hangout in excitement of her expected pass out scheduled today.
“She left for home around 2am Wednesday and was shot near Ceddi plaza around Area 10 by a police officer who was well identified. The bullet shot Angela on her side inside a vehicle and, she began oozing out blood.
“She was rushed to a hospital. But they refused to treat her until they see a police report. Despite the fact that they saw the presence of some police officers. And while the deliberation was going on, Angela passed out.”
In his contribution, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa said, “I wonder the kind of trauma that her family will be passing through now as they were already preparing and expecting to welcome their daughter after the NYSC programme only to receive her remains. It could be quite traumatic”.
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, before hitting the gavel in approval, said, “If they had treated her she may not have died. This is an avoidable death. But until we begin to hold people accountable to this kind of incident, they will not stop. After all, what is the purpose of the law? Is it that they were not informed that the law exist? We are still living in the past but now we have a law that must be obeyed.”
Meanwhile, the upper chamber observed a one-minute silence for the deceased.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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