The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC has reacted to reports that a female Corps member was killed by a thunder strike at the Abia State Orientation Camp in Umunna on Saturday.
NYSC, although confirmed there that was a heavy downpour accompanied by an unusual thunderstorm in the early hours of the day
It however noted that no fatality occurred.
It stated that the injured corps member affected by the thunder was quickly referred to a hospital in Umuahia for prompt medical evaluation.
NYSC reaction was contained in a statement signed by Eddy Megwa, Director of Information and Public Relations and issued on Sunday.
The statement reads in part: “The only injured female Corps member was immediately stabilised by the dedicated Orientation Camp Medical Team from Federal Medical Centre Umuahia.”
“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 statement added.
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,” it said.
It also called on the media practitioners, especially online bloggers to verify information with the scheme before publishing to avoid spreading misleading and inaccurate information.
The Scheme reassured the public, particularly the parents and guardians of corps members currently in the camp, of its commitment to the health, well-being, and security of its members.
“NYSC as a proactive organisation, is committed to the health, well-being, and security of her corps members at all times.
“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,” the statement said.
