The Senate Thursday 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 victims 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, 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.
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