The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has expressed condolences to the family of the late former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Patrick Osadebamwen, assuring them of the support of the Nigeria Police Force.
The assurance was conveyed during a condolence visit to the deceased’s residence in Bwari, Abuja, as colleagues, friends and associates continued to mourn the sudden death of the respected journalist.
Osadebamwen, a former Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, was reportedly found dead at his residence in Bwari on Saturday.
Following the incident, the NUJ FCT Council contacted the police authorities for assistance in evacuating his remains. The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Sanusi, subsequently mobilised personnel from the Bwari Divisional Headquarters, who evacuated the remains and conveyed them to a mortuary.
In a statement jointly signed by the NUJ FCT Council Chairman and Secretary, Comrades Grace Ike and Jide Oyekunle, respectively, the council commended the FCT Commissioner of Police for his prompt 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 said.
Meanwhile, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Iniedu, who represented the Inspector-General of Police during the condolence visit, expressed shock over Osadebamwen’s death.
Iniedu conveyed the IGP’s condolences to the bereaved family and assured them of the police leadership’s support, particularly for the children left behind by the deceased.
The condolence visit formed part of efforts by the police authorities and members of the journalism community to identify with the family during the difficult period.
The NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Grace Ike, described Osadebamwen’s death as a painful loss to the journalism profession, while commending the police authorities for their timely intervention and support following the incident.
Ike also appreciated the IGP, the FCT Commissioner of Police and other stakeholders for identifying with the bereaved family and demonstrating concern at a time of grief.
Osadebamwen was widely respected by colleagues as a committed journalist and unionist who contributed significantly to the activities of the NUJ.
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 further disclosed that details of the burial arrangements would be made public once the family’s representative arrives in Abuja and the necessary arrangements are concluded.
As the journalism community comes to terms with his sudden passing, colleagues continue to remember Osadebamwen for his commitment to the profession and service to the NUJ.
