An incident involving a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operative in Osun State has brought about conflicting reports and speculation. The operative, Mohammed Opatola, passed away after falling ill at work. There were rumors circulating on social media suggesting that his collapse was linked to disappointment over missing promotion arrears in his October salary. However, Opatola’s colleagues clarified that he did not immediately collapse upon receiving the salary alert but continued with his duties before suddenly falling ill.
One colleague shared that Opatola, like others, was disappointed by the missing arrears but did not collapse right away. He eventually excused himself to the restroom and was later found unresponsive. Another colleague speculated that the shock of missing arrears may have triggered high blood pressure in Opatola, especially as employees from other agencies had received their arrears alongside their salaries.
Despite being recently promoted, Opatola’s passing has left his colleagues shocked and saddened. Attempts to reach the NSCDC Command in Osun State for an official statement were unsuccessful as calls and messages to the spokesperson, Kehinde Adeleke, went unanswered.