In conflicting stories from colleagues and social media, an operative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Osun State, Mohammed Opatola, attached to the Iwo Division, died after falling ill at work on Monday.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, with colleagues offering varying accounts and social media users speculating on the possible cause.
A viral WhatsApp post claimed that Opatola collapsed after receiving his October salary alert, reportedly missing promotion arrears expected by NSCDC personnel.
However, some colleagues refuted this, clarifying that Opatola did not immediately collapse after receiving the alert but continued his duties before he became ill.
One colleague, speaking anonymously, explained, “We were all disappointed when we saw that the promotion arrears were missing from the salary. Opatola, like the rest of us, was disappointed but didn’t collapse immediately. He went back to his office and performed some tasks before he suddenly took ill.”
Another colleague shared that Opatola went to the restroom to take a break, but when he did not return, they found him unconscious on the floor. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Speculation over his cause of death grew, with one colleague suggesting Opatola may have suffered from high blood pressure.
“He was visibly upset when he saw the alert. We all shared our frustrations, but it seems he took it harder,” said the colleague.
Another source revealed that Opatola had recently been promoted and decorated with his new rank, heightening his anticipation for the arrears.
“He was hale and hearty when he arrived on Monday. After receiving the alert, he appeared troubled and excused himself to the restroom, where he was later found unconscious,” the colleague said.
However, no official comment has been made by the Osun NSCDC Command’s spokesperson, Kehinde Adeleke, for comments as efforts to reach her proved abortive
