Plateau State NYSC Member Succumbs to Typhoid Shortly After Orientation Camp
A young National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member from Plateau State, Joyce Abakume, has tragically passed away due to typhoid fever, just weeks after completing her orientation exercise. The 24-year-old, who was part of the 2025 Batch C cohort, had finished her camp activities in Jos, the state capital, in December 2025, and returned home for the Christmas holidays.
Family Confirms the Heartbreaking News on Social Media
Her brother, Iorwuese Abakume, publicly announced her death through a Facebook post, sharing the devastating details with friends and family. In an interview with Punch newspaper, Iorwuese, who is currently serving in Jigawa State, recounted the sequence of events that led to his sister's untimely demise.
He explained that Joyce had traveled from Benue State, where their parents reside, to Jos approximately two weeks ago to prepare for her service year. Upon her arrival in Plateau State, she began experiencing symptoms of fever, prompting their mother to urgently advise her to return home for proper medical care.
Medical Complications and Hospitalization
Joyce heeded her mother's advice and returned home on Wednesday, only to be admitted to the hospital by last Friday. Medical professionals diagnosed her with typhoid fever, which had severely impacted her blood system. Despite receiving a blood transfusion in an effort to stabilize her condition, her health deteriorated rapidly over the weekend.
Her brother detailed the tragic turn of events, stating, "The doctor confirmed she had typhoid, and it had affected her blood. They administered a blood transfusion, but by Saturday, her situation worsened, and she eventually passed away on Sunday." This sudden loss has left the family in deep mourning, as Joyce had not yet begun her official duties at her Primary Place of Assignment in Jos.
Living Arrangements and Burial Plans
Prior to her illness, Joyce had been living alone in Jos, a common practice for many corps members posted to new locations. Her brother emphasized that she was eagerly anticipating the start of her service, making her death all the more poignant for her loved ones and the NYSC community.
Regarding funeral arrangements, Iorwuese mentioned, "We plan to bury her this coming week," indicating that the family is preparing for her final rites amidst their grief. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by young Nigerians during their service year, particularly when dealing with health challenges in unfamiliar environments.
