The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has denied reports that a female Corps member was killed by a thunder strike at the Abia State Orientation Camp in Umunna on Saturday.
In a statement signed by Eddy Megwa, Director of Information and Public Relations, NYSC confirmed that while there was a heavy downpour accompanied by an unusual thunderstorm in the early hours of the day, no fatality occurred.
“The only injured female Corps member was immediately stabilized by the dedicated Orientation Camp Medical Team from Federal Medical Centre Umuahia,” the statement read.
The injured Corps member was quickly referred to a hospital in Umuahia for prompt medical evaluation.
According to Megwa, “The Corps member is very stable and responding to treatment accordingly. Her parents have been contacted and have confirmed that their daughter is in a very stable condition.”
The NYSC criticized the blogger who initially reported the incident, stating that the information was published without verifying the facts from the NYSC.
“The blogger that erupted the information did not get the facts of the matter from NYSC before publishing,” Megwa emphasized.
Reassuring the public, particularly the parents and guardians of Corps members currently in the camp, the NYSC affirmed its commitment to the health, well-being, and security of its members.
“NYSC as a proactive organization, is committed to the health, well-being, and security of her Corps members at all times,” the statement continued.
The NYSC also called on media practitioners, especially online bloggers, to verify information with the Scheme before publishing to avoid spreading misleading and inaccurate information.
“The general public, especially parents and guardians of the Corps members currently in camp, should be rest assured that the security and welfare of their children in NYSC Abia State Orientation Camp is fully guaranteed,” Megwa added.
