The Rivers State Police Command has launched a thorough investigation into the disappearance of Yahaya Faruk, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member deployed to Community Secondary School, Ikuru Town.
According a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, Faruk had been missing since October 14, 2024.
Iringe-Koko said police investigation began on October 15, 2024, when the school’s principal, Anderson Awaji Ogbana, reported Faruk’s disappearance to the Ngo Divisional Police Headquarters.
She said it was later discovered that Faruk had been working part-time at LDM Mining Company, also located in Ikuru Town.
She added that the police summoned the company’s manager, Wen Hauiguo, for questioning.
During his transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on October 16, 2024, Wen admitted to employing Faruk as a casual worker on the night shift but claimed unawareness of Faruk’s status as a serving corps member.
However, further inquiries revealed that on the evening of October 14, 2024, two unidentified individuals arrived on a motorcycle, and Faruk left his duty post to accompany them. The site manager, Lai Ding Chi, provided this information.
Additionally, four of Faruk’s coworkers – Joseph Godstime, Levi Stephen, Ejit-Awaji Michael, and Ishmael Jireh – have been questioned and denied involvement in the disappearance.
On October 18, 2024, the Commissioner of Police personally interviewed all parties involved.
She added that the police are utilizing advanced technology and collaborating with the Community Development Committee (CDC) and other stakeholders to locate Faruk.
The CDC Chairman assured the police that the community is actively searching for Faruk, extending efforts to neighboring areas, and is optimistic about positive developments soon.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Command urges anyone with information to assist in the investigation and calls on Faruk’s family to collaborate with the Command.
Iringe-Koko, reiterated the Command’s commitment to uncovering the circumstances surrounding Faruk’s disappearance.
