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Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio seeks a transparent investigation into the death of former AKSU SUG president, Etimbuk Daniel.
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Governor Umo Eno visits the bereaved family, pledges state support and describes the late corps member as brilliant.
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MMI calls for NYSC deployment reforms, stronger security measures and improved emergency response for corps members.
October 19, (THEWILL) – The apex socio-cultural organisation of the ancient Ibibio tribe, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI), has demanded a transparent investigation into the death of Etimbuk Daniel, a former Students’ Union Government (SUG) president of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), as Governor Umo Eno visited the deceased’s family and assured them of the state government’s support.
The organisation also called on the Federal Government and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to review corps members’ deployment policies and strengthen security arrangements to prevent avoidable deaths during national service.
Governor Eno gave the assurance on Saturday, October 17, 2026, when he personally visited Daniel’s family at Ikot Etim, Ukanafun Local Government Area, following an earlier condolence visit by a government delegation on Tuesday, October 13.
The governor said he considered it necessary to visit the family personally to reassure them that the government and people of Akwa Ibom shared in their grief and would support them through the difficult period.
Eno expressed sadness over the death, recalling that he had met Daniel on a few occasions and could attest to his brilliance. He said that although only God could provide lasting comfort, the state government would do what it could to alleviate the family’s pain.
“We are here as government. The whole state is heartbroken. The state stands with you and mourns with you. Whatever we can do to ameliorate the pains, we will do it”, the governor said.
He urged the bereaved family to remain strong in their faith, offering condolences on behalf of the government and people of the state.
Daniel’s father, Mr Daniel Sunday, thanked the governor for the visit, describing him as a compassionate leader and father to the people. He said the family had not expected another visit after the governor dispatched a delegation to commiserate with them.
He described his late son as a young man of great potential and prayed for God’s continued blessings and strength for the governor.
The member representing Ukanafun Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Unyime Idem, also commended Eno for personally visiting the family, describing the gesture as an expression of uncommon love and compassion for the people.
The governor was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Head of Service, Mrs Elsie Peters; Dean of Commissioners, Mkpisong Frank Archibong; and the state chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, among other government officials.
Reacting to the tragedy, MMI commended the governor’s response but insisted that the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death must be established through a credible investigation.
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The organisation, in a statement issued on Sunday, October 18, said the investigation should identify the circumstances that led to the death and ensure that anyone found culpable was held accountable.
MMI’s International Public Relations Officer, Akparawa Idongesit Ikono, told THEWILL that the organisation was seeking answers for the bereaved family, the university community and the wider public.
“Beyond commiserating with the bereaved family, there must be a transparent investigation into the circumstances of this tragedy. The authorities owe the family, the university community and the public a clear account of what happened”, Ikono said.
The organisation also expressed concern over the security risks confronting corps members in parts of the country, including exposure to kidnapping, violent attacks and other threats.
It urged the Federal Government and NYSC management to incorporate prevailing security conditions into deployment decisions, conduct comprehensive risk assessments before posting corps members and improve protection and emergency-response arrangements throughout their service year.
MMI further advocated allowing corps members to serve within their respective geopolitical zones where practicable, arguing that the approach could reduce exposure to avoidable security threats without undermining the objectives of national integration.
The group maintained that youth development and national cohesion should not come at the expense of the lives of young Nigerians, urging the authorities to implement practical reforms capable of restoring confidence in the scheme.
It extended condolences to Daniel’s family, friends, associates and the AKSU community, calling for concrete measures to prevent similar tragedies.
