The House of Representatives has urged the Inspector General of Police to initiate measures to find a missing corps member, Mr. Chukwuemeka Godwin Okeke, who has not been seen since May 9, 2024.
The call for the rescue was sequel to a motion by Rep. Nnolim Nnaji (PDP-Enugu state) at plenary on Thursday in Abuja.
Moving the the motion, Nnaji said that the NYSC was established to engage Nigerian university graduates in effective community services and nation building across ethno-linguistic boundaries.
He said that the scheme had been threatened by myriads of abductions, incessant attacks and murder due to the inadequate facilities and general welfare.
The lawmaker said that there is an optimum obligation of providing safe environment and facilities for NYSC members on Federal and State Governments in conjunction with security agencies while serving or posted in various host communities.
“Concerned about a youth corper and my constituent, Okeke Chukwuemeka Godwin from Umuanyi Village, Ovuorie, Ugbawka Community in Nkanu East LGA of Enugu State.
“Being the best-graduated student in Computer Science Department at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra with Second Class upper division, has been missing till date, while serving in Ondo State under Batch 23B.
“Godwin was supposed to complete his NYSC program on June 17, 2024, but got missing on May 9, 2024, which was the particular day his parents could not reach him on his mobile phone numbers till date.
“On the May 13, 2024, the mother of the missing Corp member, Mrs. Okeke Patience and his younger brother, went to Akure to verify the situation and thereby visited his place of primary assignment and residence but could not get any vital information.
“The relatives reported the matter to the Nigerian Police (Ijakpo Police Division) who sent signal to other police stations and the police headquarter in Ondo for investigation, but after some interrogations, the family has not been fully communicated on the outcome of these investigations.
“The relatives also reported the matter to the Local Government and State offices of the NYSC, including the community leadership but up till date, the matter is still pending without any information leading to his rescue,” he said.
The lawmaker said that June 9, 2024, the mother of Godwin with two other relatives and a journalist visited the Ondo State Police Command, the NYSC State and Local Government offices.
He said that the journalist made some inquiries and produced a documentary via Trust Television while the mother proceeded and reported the matter and her ordeal at NYSC National Secretariat, Abuja;
“The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State and the State Coordinator of NYSC with the management of the scheme have not taken adequate measures to search and rescue the missing corp member.
“The negative and culminating effects of various State Governments not being proactive in taking adequate measures to provide basic accommodation facilities, clinics, enabling environment and other necessities has been very devastating to the safety and welfare of corps members,” he said.
The house urged President Bola Tinubu to prevail on the State Governments and security agencies to provide maximum security and good habitation facilities for youth corp members.
The house also urged the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and all relevant agencies to investigate the case of the missing corp member and initiate measures for the safety and welfare of corp members in every host community.
In his ruling, the Speaker of the house, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas referred the motion to the relevant committees for further legislative action. (NAN)
