Some Corps Members say the poor conditions not only expose them to danger but also raise the risk of waterborne diseases and injuries
By Kehinde Emmanuel
Corps Members at the Gombe State NYSC orientation camp have raised alarm over what they describe as unsafe and degrading living conditions, calling for urgent intervention from authorities.
The camp, according to participants, has become nearly uninhabitable following days of rainfall that flooded several hostels and damaged personal belongings.
Many of the structures at the site are said to be in disrepair, with leaking roofs, broken windows, and visible cracks in walls.
“Every night, we sleep with one eye open, praying the building doesn’t collapse. When it rains, our beds are soaked. We are living in fear, not service.”, one Corps Member said anonymously.
Eyewitness accounts and photographs shared online reveal the extent of the damage, showing submerged hostels, weakened infrastructure, and stagnant water across the premises.
Some Corps Members say the poor conditions not only expose them to danger but also raise the risk of waterborne diseases and injuries.
“This is not what we signed up for, we are serving our nation, but the nation is failing to serve us. We are not asking for luxury, just safety and dignity.”, a Corps Member wrote in a post gaining attention on social media.
Others at the camp believe the situation is a result of years of neglect. “The government’s silence is dangerous. If nothing is done urgently, we fear the camp might soon witness a tragedy,” another Corps Member said.
The NYSC Act mandates that governments at all levels provide suitable facilities and ensure the welfare of Corps Members throughout their service year. However, participants say the current state of the Gombe camp reflects a clear breach of this responsibility.
With public concern growing, pressure is now mounting on both the NYSC and the Gombe State Government to take immediate steps to renovate the camp and guarantee the safety of those currently serving.