The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has expressed concern and pledged support for the family of the late former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, Comrade Patrick Osadebamwen, as the union’s family in the Federal Capital Territory continues to mourn his sudden death.
Osadebamwen, a former NUJ FCT Council Chairman, was reportedly found dead in his residence in Bwari on Saturday, a development that has sent shock waves through the FCT media community.
Following his death, the NUJ FCT Council reached out to the police for assistance with evacuating his remains, prompting the FCT Commissioner of Police to swiftly deploy personnel from the Bwari Divisional Headquarters. The officers assisted in moving the remains from the deceased’s residence to the mortuary.
In a joint statement signed by the NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, and Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the Council commended the Commissioner of Police, CP Sanusi, for his swift intervention.
“The Council is using this medium to specially thank the FCT Commissioner of Police for the timely response when reached on Sunday,” the statement read.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Iniedu, who represented the IGP during a condolence visit to the deceased’s residence in Bwari, said he was shocked by the journalist’s death. Iniedu conveyed the IGP’s condolences to the bereaved family and pledged the IGP’s support, particularly for the children Osadebamwen left behind.
The visit formed part of efforts by police leadership and members of the journalism community to identify with the family during this difficult period.
Grace Ike described Osadebamwen’s death as a painful loss to the journalism profession. She commended the police for their timely intervention and thanked the IGP, the FCT Commissioner of Police, and other stakeholders for identifying with the family in their moment of grief.
Osadebamwen was widely respected by colleagues as a committed unionist, and his death has continued to generate grief among journalists, friends and associates, with tributes pouring in from across the media community.
The NUJ FCT Council urged journalists, colleagues and well-meaning Nigerians to continue identifying with the bereaved family and to pray for the repose of his soul. The Council added that burial arrangements would be made public once the family’s representative arrives in Abuja and necessary plans are concluded.
