By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk
The Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri community has been thrown into mourning following the death of its former Student Union Government (SUG) President, Comrade Okebaram Stanley Chimaroke, who was serving as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Bayelsa State.
The late Chimaroke was widely regarded as a vibrant and dedicated student leader whose tenure as SUG President was marked by advocacy for students’ welfare, improved learning conditions and constructive engagement with the institution’s management. His leadership earned him respect among students, staff, alumni and members of the Polytechnic community.
Reports of his death began circulating on Monday, triggering an outpouring of grief and tributes from former colleagues, friends, student leaders and associates across the country.
While several accounts circulating on social media allege that he was attacked before his body was later recovered from a body of water in Bayelsa State, 9News Nigeria has not independently verified these claims. Consequently, the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.
As of press time, 9News Nigeria could not independently confirm the circumstances surrounding the incident, while official statements from the Bayelsa State Police Command, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the management of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede were still being awaited.
The tragic development has sparked widespread grief across the Polytechnic community, with student leaders, alumni, friends and well-wishers calling for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the incident. They urged security agencies to establish the true circumstances surrounding his death and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.
Beyond his role as a student leader, Chimaroke is remembered by many as a passionate youth advocate who devoted his time to promoting students’ interests and fostering unity within the institution. His untimely death has left a profound sense of loss among those who knew and worked with him.
The incident has also renewed concerns over the safety and security of corps members serving in different parts of the country, with stakeholders urging the relevant authorities to strengthen measures aimed at protecting young Nigerians participating in the National Youth Service Corps scheme.
The Federal Polytechnic Nekede community, alumni associations, former student leaders and other stakeholders have continued to pay glowing tributes to the late former SUG President while awaiting official clarification on the circumstances surrounding his death.
9News Nigeria will continue to monitor developments and provide timely updates as more verified information becomes available from the police, the NYSC and other relevant authorities. May the soul of Comrade Okebaram Stanley Chimaroke rest in peace.
