Bayelsa Killing: Imo NANS Gives Seven-Day Ultimatum, Demands Justice for Slain Corps Member
By Anselem Anokwute
The Imo State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to relevant authorities to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Comrade Okebaram Stanley Chimaroke, a former Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri Student Union President and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Chimaroke, an indigene of Orodo in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, was serving in Bassambiri, Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State before his tragic death.
The students’ body made the demand during a condolence visit to the deceased’s family on August 1, 2026, where it sympathised with the bereaved family and called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
According to the association, the late corps member’s body was reportedly recovered near a river in his host community, a development that has thrown his family, friends, fellow corps members and the student community into mourning and raised widespread concern over the circumstances of his death.
NANS expressed disappointment that, despite the passage of time, there has been no official information on arrests, identified suspects or significant progress in the investigation, noting that the silence has heightened anxiety among students and the general public.
Describing the incident as disturbing, the association called on the Nigeria Police Force, the NYSC management, the Bayelsa State Government, the Imo State Government, the leadership of the Bassambiri community and the national leadership of NANS to collaborate in ensuring a transparent, thorough and impartial investigation.
The group warned that if no tangible progress is made within seven days, it would pursue all lawful and constitutional means to demand justice and accountability.
It also expressed concern over reports that the deceased’s family had yet to be granted access to his remains, describing the situation, if confirmed, as an additional source of pain for the grieving family.
According to the association, the death of any corps member while serving the nation must never be treated with indifference, urging the authorities to demonstrate commitment to the sanctity of human life by conducting a diligent investigation and providing regular updates to the public.
NANS further appealed to residents of Bassambiri, fellow corps members, community leaders and anyone with useful information that could aid the investigation to cooperate with security agencies.
The association urged the public to refrain from speculation, stressing that justice can only be achieved through a professional, impartial and evidence-based investigation.
It pledged to continue monitoring the case and standing with the family of the deceased until the circumstances surrounding Chimaroke’s death are fully established.
The students’ body maintained that anyone found culpable after due investigation should face the full weight of the law, insisting that justice must neither be delayed nor denied.
