PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — The search for missing National Youth Service Corps member Yahaya Faruk has intensified after the 24-year-old vanished without a trace on Monday, October 14, 2024, in Ikuru Town, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Faruk, who was deployed to Community Secondary School, Ikuru Town, for his primary assignment, had taken a night job with LDM Mining Company, a Chinese firm operating in the area.
He reportedly disappeared after arriving for his shift around 4:00 PM.
Concerns over Faruk’s whereabouts arose when the school principal, Anderson Ogbana, reported his absence to the Ngo Divisional Police Headquarters the following day.
The case has since sparked an extensive search and investigation led by the Rivers State Police Command.
Police Investigation and Vital Information Uncovered
Speaking to reporters, Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, revealed that authorities are utilising multiple investigative approaches in their bid to locate the missing corps member.
Although she refrained from providing specific details, she confirmed that “credible information” had been uncovered, which investigators believe may be pivotal in solving the case.
“We are still investigating, getting credible information to that effect,” Iringe-Koko stated.
“We cannot disclose our investigation to members of the public, that will jeopardise the investigation, but we have uncovered a lot of vital information in the matter.”
Earlier this week, Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Mustapha Bala, ordered a full-scale investigation, summoning LDM Mining Company’s site manager, Lai Ding Chi, for questioning.
Mr. Ding Chi disclosed that on the evening of Faruk’s disappearance, two unidentified individuals arrived on a motorcycle at the work site between 9:00 and 10:00 PM.
According to his account, Faruk left his duty post with the individuals and did not return.
Witness Statements and Further Inquiries
As part of their investigation, the police have questioned several of Faruk’s colleagues, including Joseph Godstime, Levi Stephen, Ejit-Awaji Michael, and Ishmael Jireh.
All have denied any involvement in the disappearance.
Lai Ding Chi further stated that while he employed Faruk on a casual basis for the night shift, he was unaware of his NYSC status.
“On October 16, 2024, he was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where he admitted to employing Mr. Faruk as a casual worker on the night shift, from 4:00 PM to midnight,” said Iringe-Koko.
Investigators from the State CID are working with local authorities, including the Community Development Committee (CDC), to strengthen efforts in the search for Faruk.
The Commissioner of Police conducted personal interviews with all involved parties on October 18, 2024, and has deployed advanced technology as part of the multi-pronged approach to expedite the search.
Community Response and Growing Concern
In Andoni Local Government Area, Chief Press Secretary Chief Ntedeng Timothy has stated that the council and the local community are closely following the investigation’s progress.
Meanwhile, the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Edo Central Area, has voiced concerns over the the corps member’s disappearance, expressing “anxiety and devastation” and calling for an expedited investigation to bring him home.
As authorities continue their search, Faruk’s family, friends, and local community remain hopeful for his safe return while urging the police to leave no stone unturned in their efforts.
