The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into the disappearance of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Yahaya Faruk, who was deployed to Community Secondary School, Ikuru Town.

According to a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, Faruk has been missing since October 14, 2024. Iringe-Koko stated that the 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.

It was later discovered that Faruk worked part-time at LDM Mining Company in Ikuru Town. She added that the police summoned the company’s manager, Wen Hauiguo, for questioning. Wen admitted to employing Faruk as a casual worker on the night shift but claimed he was unaware that Faruk was a serving corps member.

Further investigations 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. This information was provided by the site manager, Lai Ding Chi.

Additionally, four of Faruk’s coworkers — Joseph Godstime, Levi Stephen, Ejit-Awaji Michael, and Ishmael Jireh — were questioned and denied involvement in the disappearance.

On October 18, 2024, the Commissioner of Police interviewed all parties involved. Iringe-Koko mentioned that the police are using 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 was actively searching for Faruk, extending their efforts to neighbouring areas, and expressed optimism about positive developments soon.

The Rivers State Police Command urged anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation. It called on Faruk’s family to collaborate with the Command and reiterated its commitment to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.