The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has debunked reports circulating in certain media outlets that a female corps member met an untimely death following a lightning incident at the Abia State Orientation Camp, Umunna.
NYSC’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, in a statement on Sunday, acknowledged that the corp member was struck by lightning during a heavy downpour early in the day accompanied by an unusual thunderstorm. He, however, clarified that no life was lost during the incident.
Megwa said that the injured female corps member was stabilised by the dedicated Orientation Camp Medical Team from the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia.
He added that the victim was immediately referred to a hospital in Umuahia for a thorough medical evaluation and is currently responding to treatment.
The statement further added that the parents of the affected corps member have been informed and reassured of her stable condition.
“The blogger who disseminated this information did not verify the facts with NYSC before publication. NYSC, as a proactive organization, remains committed to the health, well-being, and security of all corps members at all times.
“The general public, especially parents and guardians of corps members currently in camp, should rest assured that the security and welfare of their children at NYSC Abia State Orientation Camp are fully guaranteed,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the NYSC management urged media practitioners, especially online bloggers, to seek clarification and consult with the corps on every matter before publishing information that may be misleading or lacking in factual accuracy about the NYSC.
