- Safiu Kehinde
The Edo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Agun Gbenga, has on Thursday slumped and died during an event in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Gbenga reportedly slumped on his seat at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre shortly after delivering a goodwill message at a programme organised by the International Association of World Peace Advocates.
Eyewitnesses, at the event recounted futile effort to resuscitate him.
He was later rushed to the Military Hospital in Benin, where doctors confirmed him dead.
His death was also confirmed by the spokesperson for the NSCDC headquarters, Afolabi Babawale, who told PUNCH Metro that the commandant slumped in a function.
“Yes, it is true that we lost the Edo State Commandant this afternoon. He slumped in a function.”
An eyewitness, Odion Ugbe, described the deceased as a gentleman and a dedicated officer.
“It is unfortunate that the man had to die this way. He came into the hall full of life, but he was carried out dead. He had just read his speech, and he was sitting down when he slumped.
“People with medical experience tried to resuscitate him, but could not succeed. By the time he was taken to the military hospital, he was said to have been brought in dead by the doctor in charge.” Ugbe said.
The eyewitness further recalled meeting Gbenga at another programme the previous week, where they had a discussion on ways to make the country more secure.