The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu have expressed concern and support for the family of the late former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Patrick Osadebamwen.
The assurances came as the NUJ FCT Council, colleagues, friends and associates continued to mourn the sudden death of the respected journalist, whose passing has sent shock waves through the FCT media community.
Osadebamwen, a former Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, was reportedly found dead in his residence in Bwari on Saturday.
Following the development, the NUJ FCT Council reached out to the police authorities for assistance with the evacuation of his remains, prompting the FCT Commissioner of Police to swiftly mobilise personnel from the Bwari Divisional Headquarters.
The police personnel subsequently assisted in evacuating the remains from the deceased’s residence and conveying them to the mortuary.
In a statement jointly signed by the NUJ FCT Council Chairman and Secretary, Comrade Grace Ike and Comrade Jide Oyekunle, respectively, the Council commended CP Sanusi for his prompt intervention to the matter as well as friends and well wishers.
“The Council is using this medium to specially thank the FCT Commissioner of police for the timely response when reached on Sunday”
Meanwhile, the Force Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Iniedu, who represented the Inspector-General of Police during a condolence visit to the deceased’s residence in Bwari, expressed shock over the journalist’s death.
Iniedu conveyed the IGP’s condolences to the bereaved family and pledged the IGP’s support for the family particularly the kids he left behind
The condolence visit was part of efforts by the police leadership and members of the journalism community to identify with the family at a difficult period.
The NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Grace Ike, described Osadebamwen’s death as a painful loss to the journalism profession, commending the police authorities for their timely intervention and support following the incident.
She also appreciated the IGP, the FCT Commissioner of Police and other stakeholders for identifying with the family and demonstrating concern at a moment of grief.
Osadebamwen was widely respected by colleagues as a committed unionist
His death has continued to generate grief among journalists, friends, colleagues and associates, with tributes pouring in from across the media community.
The NUJ FCT Council urged journalists, friends, colleagues and well-meaning Nigerians to continue to identify with the bereaved family and pray for the repose of the deceased’s soul.
The Council also disclosed that details of the burial arrangements would be made public as soon as the family’s representative arrives in Abuja and the necessary arrangements are concluded.
As the circumstances surrounding his sudden death continue to weigh heavily on the journalism community, colleagues have continued to remember Osadebamwen for his commitment to the media profession and his service to the NUJ.