The House of Representatives has ordered a four-week investigation into the death of corps member Etimbuk Sunday after treatment at the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp in Enugu State.
Lawmakers adopted a motion by Unyime Idem on Tuesday, October 20, directing the committees on Youth Development, Health Care Services, Police Affairs and Human Rights to conduct a joint inquiry.
The investigation will examine the care he received, the deterioration of his condition, an alleged delay in hospital referral and the circumstances in which his body was released to his family.
Sunday, also identified as Etimbuk Daniel in reports about the case, was a former Students’ Union Government president of Akwa Ibom State University. He reportedly visited the Awgu camp clinic on October 7 and died on October 11.
Punch reported that Idem raised concerns about the treatment, referral arrangements and reports that the body was returned naked and with visible bruises. These allegations are to be investigated; the House’s resolution does not establish wrongdoing or the cause of death.
NAFDAC has separately opened an investigation. According to Channels Television’s account of its October 19 statement, a preliminary clinical assessment suggested acute kidney injury secondary to severe dehydration and shock, but did not establish whether medicines administered to the corps member contributed to his death.
The agency said officers had visited the clinic, interviewed medical personnel and other staff, and collected medicine samples for laboratory analysis. It urged the public not to draw conclusions before the investigation is completed.
The Senate had already ordered its own inquiry and a review of medical facilities at NYSC camps, as NaijaTrend reported here.
The House also urged the youth and health ministries and the NYSC Directorate to review camp healthcare and emergency response arrangements, including clinic equipment, qualified personnel and prompt hospital referrals.
Sources: Premium Times, Punch, Channels Television
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