The Rivers State Police Command has detained four individuals in connection with the disappearance of National Youth Service Corps member Yahya Faruq in Ikuru Town, Andoni Local Government Area. The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria reported that Faruq was last seen on October 4, 2024.
Faruq, stationed at a secondary school in Ikuru for his service, was also working part-time at a local mining company when he disappeared after just eight days. Police spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed on October 23 that an investigation is ongoing.
The statement explained that Faruq, assigned to Community Secondary School in Ikuru Town, was reported missing on October 14, 2024. The school principal, Mr. Anderson Awaji Ogbana, alerted authorities to his absence on October 15. It was later found that Faruq held a part-time position with LDM Mining Company nearby.
When questioned, LDM Mining Company manager Mr. Wen Hauiguo disclosed that Faruq worked night shifts from 4:00 PM to midnight but claimed he was unaware of Faruq’s corps member status. Site manager Mr. Lai Ding Chi mentioned that on October 14, Faruq left the site around 9:00-10:00 PM with two unidentified men on a motorcycle.
Faruq’s coworkers from the same shift, Joseph Godstime, Levi Stephen, Ejit-Awaji Michael, and Ishmael Jireh, were also questioned but denied any involvement in his disappearance. On October 18, the Commissioner of Police personally interviewed all involved and is using advanced technology and community partnerships in the search.
The State CID is working closely with the Community Development Committee and other local groups to intensify efforts. The CDC Chairman confirmed that the community is participating in the search, extending to nearby areas in the hope of finding Faruq.
The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to uncovering the truth behind Faruq’s disappearance, urging his family’s cooperation and encouraging the public to provide any useful information.