Abuja was plunged into mourning as the news broke of the untimely demise of Ms. Greatness Olorunfemi, a cherished Community Developer and dedicated member of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network, who tragically lost her life in a brutal encounter with the infamous ‘One Chance’ syndicate.
The incident took place on September 26th when Greatness was reportedly expelled from a moving vehicle on the Maitama-Kubwa major highway.
YALI Network Abuja has pointed out that the unfortunate event underscores the rising security concerns within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In light of this, the Network has called upon the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, and the appropriate security bodies to prioritise the security of Abuja’s residents, commence a comprehensive inquiry into the tragic killing of Greatness, and ensure that those responsible are subjected to the full force of the law.
The tragedy is made even more grievous by allegations of negligence by healthcare professionals.
Startling audio proof from a helpful passerby who witnessed the event and assisted in transporting Ms. Greatness to the hospital has been forwarded to the authorities. This includes claims that the personnel at Maitama General Hospital locked them out.
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The coordinator of YALI Network Abuja, Moyosoluwa Oladayo, addressed the circumstances surrounding the untimely death of Greatness.
‘There’s a viral video of her when she was thrown out of the vehicle. She was unconscious and was reportedly taken to Maitama General Hospital where they kept asking for a Police report till she gave up twenty minutes later,’ she said.
The case has caught the attention of the FCT Commissioner of Police, who has taken over the investigation from the Mabushi Police DPO that was initially investigating the tragic incident.
‘The FCT Police Command has invited the Maitama general hospital management for proper questioning,’ a police source stated.
Africa Today News, New York, has learned that the police have summoned the healthcare professionals on duty for interrogation.
Further details suggest that YALI Network is currently engaging with the Nigerian Police to probe the Maitama General Hospital for violating the National Health Act of 2014, which forbids refusal of emergency medical treatment for any reason.
‘Our friend and colleague was abandoned in her time of need. This is not just about seeking justice for Greatness, but also for other Nigerians who have lost their lives in such unfortunate circumstances.’
‘We hope for manifest transparency in their investigation. This is a call for immediate and effective measures to address the rising insecurity in our beloved community, and to ensure accountability in our healthcare system,’ Oladayo added.
YALI Network Abuja, an initiative of the US missions in Africa, is engaging with other local and international CSOs, NGOs, and government stakeholders to push for reforms to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future. They are supported by Change.org in their efforts.
‘Greatness had a greatness from within. Her dream was to play an integral role in the betterment of our nation, a cause she was irredeemably sold out to.’
‘Her brutal and untimely demise is a profound and regrettable loss to the entire YALI Network Nigeria,’ lamented the Abuja chapter of YALI Network, in their statement, on Friday.
This sorrowful event serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing necessity for enhanced safety protocols and increased accountability within the city of Abuja.
Amidst the community’s mourning for the loss of a fervent champion of development and youth empowerment, all eyes are on the authorities to serve justice for Ms. Greatness and implement measures that prioritise the safety and welfare of every resident.