The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Mr. Yahya Faruq, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who has been missing since October 14, 2024.
Mr. Faruq, a native of Warrake in Edo State, was serving at the Mixed Secondary School in Ikuru Town, Andoni Local Government Area, before he vanished.
The principal of Community Secondary School, Mr. Anderson Awaji Ogbana, reported Mr. Faruq’s absence to the Ngo Divisional Police Headquarters on October 15, 2024.
He stated that the corps member could not be located within the school or the surrounding community. It was later discovered that Mr. Faruq had also been working part-time at LDM Mining Company in Ikuru Town.
In a press statement, the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria urged the public to assist in uncovering the circumstances of Mr. Faruq’s disappearance from the milling company.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the investigation, stating that several staff members from LDM Mining Company have been summoned for questioning.
According to reports, Mr. Wen Hauiguo, the manager of LDM Mining Company, was interrogated on October 16, 2024.
He confirmed that Mr. Faruq was employed as a night shift worker from 4:00 PM to midnight but was unaware of his status as a serving corps member.
The site manager, Mr. Lai Ding Chi, revealed that on the night of October 14, two unidentified individuals arrived on a motorcycle, prompting Mr. Faruq to leave his duty station with them between 9:00 and 10:00 PM.
Additional workers who were on duty with Mr. Faruq—Joseph Godstime, Levi Stephen, Ejit-Awaji Michael, and Ishmael Jireh—have also been questioned but denied any involvement in his disappearance.
On October 18, 2024, the Commissioner of Police personally interviewed all relevant parties. The command is employing a multi-pronged approach and utilizing advanced technology to aid in the search for Mr. Faruq.
Officers from the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are collaborating with the Community Development Committee (CDC) and other stakeholders in Ikuru Town to enhance local search efforts.
The CDC Chairman assured the Police that the community is fully committed to locating the missing corps member, extending search efforts into neighboring areas.
The Rivers State Police Command is dedicated to uncovering the circumstances of Mr. Yahaya Faruq’s disappearance. They encourage his family to maintain contact with the Command for collaborative efforts and urge anyone with information to come forward.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko
Police Public Relations Officer
Rivers State Police Command
For: The Commissioner of Police
October 23, 2024
