The Edo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Agun Gbenga, has died after collapsing at a public function in Benin City, the state capital.
The incident occurred on Thursday during a programme organised by the International Association of World Peace Advocates at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre.
Witnesses said the commandant, who had just delivered a goodwill message, slumped on his seat moments later. Efforts by medical personnel at the venue to revive him were unsuccessful. He was immediately rushed to the Military Hospital, Benin, where doctors confirmed him dead.
An eyewitness, Odion Ugbe, described the development as shocking, noting that Gbenga appeared healthy when he arrived at the event. “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 was sitting down when he slumped,” Ugbe said.
The tragedy left many attendees stunned, with several leaving the hall in disbelief and discussing the sudden nature of his death.
Confirming the incident, NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale said: “Yes, it is true that we lost the Edo State Commandant this afternoon. He slumped in a function.”
