Following the death of a 100 level student of Niger Delta University (NDU), in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa state, the Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu has commiserated with the family of the deceased, saying his officers accused were careless with riffles.
In a statement made available to newsmen, Tuesday in Abuja by the Corps spokesman, Okeh Emmanuel, said the NSCDC boss who lamented the incident, described the situation as unfortunate and regrettable; “pointing out that it was an accident that could have been avoided had the personnel been a bit more careful with his riffle.”
The statement described the untimely death of the young man as a huge loss to the family and prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed, assuring “that the erring officer will not go unpunished. He will be sanctioned in accordance with the law to serve as deterrent to others.”
Gana also said that the Corps placed so much premium on human life as an inviolable entity, hence, his administration from inception has maintained zero tolerance for accidental discharge from personnel of the service.
He “explains why so much energy and resources is channelled towards training and retraining of his officers and men but most importantly arms bearing personnel because of the sensitive nature of their job.”
While berating his personnel involved in the accidental discharge, he appreciated the family of the deceased for their show of understanding and assured them of necessary support in reducing their burden and ensuring that the deceased is given a deserving and befitting burial.
For the erring officer; the CG hinted that he is currently in detention and been thoroughly investigated to unravel the circumstances that led to the costly mistake.
He therefore seized the moment to warn all officers and men of the Corps to put up a more responsible and patriotic attitude towards their professional calling and desist from such behaviours that will drag the good name of the organization in the mud.
Emphasizing that the Corps is noted for humility and integrity in service delivery, hence, stiffer penalty will be handed down to anyone found culpable in such avoidable and life threatening mistake.
The statement noted that NSCDC personnel was on an official escort duty at Ammassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government area of Bayelsa state when the unfortunate incident occurred, adding that “he was neither drunk nor found in a drinking bar as insinuated in some quarters.
“May the Almighty God grant the entire family and the entire Niger Delta University community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”, the CG prayed.
