In a heartbreaking development, a corps member serving in Rivers State has gone missing, sparking a plea for help from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and local authorities.
Yahaya Farouk, who is currently serving in Ikuru town, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, has not been seen for several days, leaving his family, fellow corps members, and residents of the community in deep concern.
The last confirmed sighting of Farouk was at a Chinese company situated within the community, where he was working as part of his National Youth Service.
Brigadier General Y.D. Ahmed, the Director-General of the NYSC, has since made an urgent appeal for assistance in locating the missing corps member.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, the Acting Director of NYSC Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, confirmed that security agencies are working tirelessly to find Farouk.
“The NYSC is working with security agencies to ensure the safe return of Yahaya Farouk,” the statement read. “We are appealing for the support of the community in this crucial search.”
General Ahmed himself has visited Ikuru town, urging the local population to assist the authorities in their efforts to locate Farouk.
In his address to the residents, he highlighted the critical role the community plays in ensuring the safety of corps members serving in their midst.
“While our security agencies are doing everything they can, the support of the local residents is crucial in this search,” General Ahmed said. “The safety and welfare of corps members must be a shared responsibility. I urge the youths and elders of Ikuru town to come forward and help in any way they can.”
Farouk, originally from another state, was sent to Ikuru for his one-year mandatory national service. His disappearance has shocked many in the community, with residents deeply worried about his wellbeing.
According to a report from the community’s youth president, Mr. Etete Jerb Anthony, all efforts made thus far to locate Farouk have been unsuccessful. Despite this, Anthony remains hopeful and determined to continue the search.
“We have done everything possible, but our efforts have not led to any breakthroughs,” Anthony said. “However, we will not give up. We are still searching for him and we will keep trying.”
Similarly, Mr. Paul Friday, the Ward Secretary, echoed Anthony’s sentiments. He stated that local authorities and residents are working tirelessly to bring Farouk home.
“It has been a very difficult time for everyone,” Friday said. “We have all been praying for his safe return, and we won’t stop trying to find him.”
The disappearance has raised questions about the safety of corps members serving in remote areas of Nigeria. Many are concerned about the growing insecurity in various parts of the country, with the NYSC Director-General emphasizing the need for greater attention to the security of corps members.
“We cannot take the safety of our youth lightly,” General Ahmed said during his visit. “The responsibility of protecting corps members lies with both the government and the communities they serve in. We need a concerted effort to ensure they are safe.”
The NYSC has also expressed its commitment to providing the necessary support to Farouk’s family, who have been left distraught by the disappearance of their loved one.
“We are in constant communication with his family and providing them with the support they need during this challenging time,” said Embu in the NYSC statement.
As the search for Farouk continues, the community of Ikuru town remains hopeful that the young man will be found safe and sound.
Farouk’s case is not an isolated one, as many corps members across the country have voiced concerns about their safety in the face of rising insecurity. This situation has prompted the NYSC to renew calls for enhanced security measures in the host communities.
