"The deceased was not a Corps member" - NYSC react to the murder of a 30-year-old man alleged to be serving in Bayelsa

hmmm...A 30 year old man, Samuel Collins - who was said to be a member of the National Youth Service Corps members serving in Bayelsa state, was killed by suspected armed robbers during an attack on Melford Okilo Road, INEC/Kpansia area of Yenagoa, on June 24th.

According to reports, the robbers shot the deceased at close range when he was struggling to prevent them from collecting his phone and money. NYSC has released a statement, debunking reports that he was a serving corps member. According to the statement;

The attention of the NYSC Management has been drawn to a news story published by some online newspapers with the above headline about the killing of one, Mr. Samuel Collins, by gunmen suspected to be cultists in Bayelsa State. Management wishes to state that, contrary to the impression created in the report, the deceased was not a Corps member.

A search through our records in Bayelsa State showed no such name as Samuel Collins on the list of serving Corps members. For the avoidance of doubt, Police in the state have identified the deceased as staff of a Yenagoa-based agency.

While sympathizing with the bereaved family, we take exception to the misrepresentation of facts in that report, which is capable of sensationalizing the issue of safety and general welfare of our Corps members. Management urges Corps members serving in Bayelsa State as well as their parents and guardians to remain calm as we remain committed to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure their continued safety.