By Correspondent in Abuja
Members of staff of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the largest of its kind in Africa, were again thrown into mourning, following the tragic death of one them, Mr Fredrick James Ighetseme,(47) aka Fred.
The Reporters, an online publication, gathered that the deceased, attached to the Audit department of the agency, was hit and killed on Friday night at Kubwa by a vehicle whose driver ran away.
The on the online media gathered that the death of Fred brought to three of such tragedic occasion in the agency in January.
The first was Modupe Oremule, the 37- year-old Defence Correspondent, who died during a brief illness on Jan 15 in Lagos, barely five days after Mr Lawson Ukamole, popularly called Papa also died through similar fate in Abuja.
Sources to the agency told The Reporters that Fred, a native of Agenebode in Etsako East Local Government Area of, Edo State,who was known for his versatility and agility was seen on Friday in the office full of life and throwing banters with colleagues.
The demise of Fred,who joined NAN more than 20 years ago,has elicited comments from his senior and fellow colleagues who described him as a good, gentle and caring fellow that would be sorely missed by the organization.
Mr Julius Enehikhuere, a Deputy Editor in Chief in the agency, also a friend, described Fred’s death as shocking.
He expressed disbelief on the death of Fred on the staff WhatsApp page: How can I forget a guy that I had known for over 25 years.
“He had served many of us for many years, sharing dreams and vision. ”
“He joined NAN some 20 something years ago as a young boy full of life and vision in Lagos. He quickly settled down and went to school. His peculiar nature of humility and respect endeared him to all. Always smiling every difficult times away.
” On Friday, he dashed to the Newsroom, full of life and smiles,we promised to hangout this weekend as we sometimes do. Alas, it never meant to be. Adieu Fredo, my brother and friend. Could this death have been avoided?,” he said.
The remains of the deceased have been conveyed to Agenebode for burial.
Hajiya Hawal Lawal, wrote:” I was terribly pained to hear of the tragic demise of our dear, beloved Fred. I will forever remember fondly. His ever cheerful attitude towards life and child-like enthusiasm with which he brought alive even the most boring situations.
“I could not imagine what his family must be going through when we ourselves are so much in shock. I pray that God gives strength to his family to bear the grief and pain. Fredooo, we will miss you always.”
