From Moshood Karim
Benin City was plunged into mourning on Thursday following the sudden death of the Edo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Gbenga Agun, who slumped and died shortly after attending an official function in the state capital.
Witnesses said Agun had just concluded his formal remarks at the event when he collapsed unexpectedly, sending shockwaves through the hall. Security personnel and aides rushed him to the Military Base Hospital in Benin City, but doctors confirmed him Brought in Dead (B.I.D) on arrival.
The shocking development has thrown the NSCDC and the wider security community into grief. Senior officers in the command, who gathered at the hospital late Thursday, described the incident as “a devastating blow to the corps” and expressed deep concern about the sudden nature of his passing.
As of press time, the immediate and remote cause of death remained unclear. Medical personnel were yet to issue an official statement, though sources said preliminary examinations were ongoing.
Mr Agun, who only recently assumed leadership of the NSCDC in Edo State, was regarded as a dedicated officer committed to strengthening security coordination in the state. His untimely death is expected to leave a vacuum within the command at a time when the corps plays a crucial role in addressing threats ranging from pipeline vandalism to community security support.
Authorities have promised to provide more information as investigations progress. Meanwhile, tributes have begun pouring in from colleagues, state officials and stakeholders in the security sector, many of whom described him as a disciplined officer who served with distinction.
Uptown Press Nigeria will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as fresh details emerge.
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