Rita Odafe
Authorities in Rivers State have detained four individuals linked to the case of Yahya Faruq, a National Youth Service Corps member who went missing in Ikuru town, located in Andoni Local Government Area.
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria reported that Faruq disappeared on Monday, October 4, 2024.
Faruq, who was assigned to a secondary school in Ikuru as part of his service, also worked part-time at a local mining company. Despite the passage of eight days since his last sighting, his whereabouts remain unknown.
The police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed on October 23 that investigations are currently underway.
“The Rivers State Police Command is working on finding Mr. Yahaya Faruk, who has been missing since he was last seen on October 14, 2024,” the statement indicated.
“The principal of Community Secondary School, Mr. Anderson Awaji Ogbana, reported on October 15, 2024, that Faruq was unaccounted for both in school and the nearby area.
“It was later discovered that he had been working part-time at LDM Mining Company in Ikuru.”
“After learning of this, police questioned Mr. Wen Hauiguo, the mining company’s manager, who confirmed that Faruq was a night shift worker from 4:00 PM until midnight, but he was not aware of Faruq’s role as a corps member.”
Additionally, Mr. Lai Ding Chi, the site manager, indicated that two unknown individuals arrived on a motorcycle on the evening of October 14, 2024, prompting Faruq to leave his post with them.
Other workers who shared the same shift as Faruq—Joseph Godstime, Levi Stephen, Ejit-Awaji Michael, and Ishmael Jireh—have also been questioned and denied any involvement in his disappearance.
On October 18, 2024, the Commissioner of Police conducted interviews with everyone concerned. The police are employing advanced technology and a collaboration strategy to speed up the search for Faruq.
They have directed officers from the State CID to work together with the Community Development Committee and essential community members in Ikuru Town to enhance local search efforts.
The CDC Chairman has confirmed that the community is actively involved in the search, extending efforts to neighboring areas, and is hopeful for favorable updates soon.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains dedicated to understanding the circumstances of Mr. Yahaya Faruk’s disappearance and encourages his family to collaborate with them, as well as anyone with relevant information to come forward,” the statement concluded.
