The House of Representatives called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the safety of all National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members nationwide on Thursday.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion to compel the Inspector General of Police to investigate the case of missing Corps member Okeke Godwin. The motion was sponsored by Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, who sought the House’s intervention in the matter.
In addition to this, the House directed Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and NYSC Director General Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed to urgently initiate a search and rescue operation for Okeke Godwin, who has not been seen since May 9, 2024.
During the debate, Hon. Nnaji emphasized that the NYSC is responsible for ensuring the safety of Corps members. Unfortunately, many have fallen victim to various dangers in the communities where they are assigned.
He highlighted that Godwin’s family has made repeated, but unsuccessful, efforts to locate him since he went missing while serving in Ondo State.
Hon. Nnaji noted that Mr. Godwin, a resident of Umuanyi Village, Ovuorie, Ugbawka Community in Nkanu East Local Government Area, was an outstanding student, graduating with a Second Class Upper division in Computer Science from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. He was set to complete his NYSC service on June 17, 2024, but went missing on May 9, the same day his parents lost contact with him.
“On May 13, 2024, Mrs. Okeke Patience, Godwin’s mother, and his younger brother traveled to Akure, Ondo State, to investigate. They visited his place of primary assignment and residence but were unable to obtain any helpful information.
“The family reported the case to the Nigerian Police (Ijakpo Police Division), who forwarded a signal to other police stations and the police headquarters in Ondo State for further investigation. However, despite some initial inquiries, the family has not received any substantial updates regarding the case.
“The relatives have also approached local government and NYSC officials, as well as community leaders, but as of now, the situation remains unresolved, with no information leading to Godwin’s recovery.”
Hon. Nnaji added that on June 19, 2024, Godwin’s mother, two relatives, and a journalist visited the Ondo State Police Command and NYSC offices at both state and local levels. The journalist conducted inquiries and produced a documentary on the matter for Trust Television.
He mentioned that the NYSC headquarters in Abuja has been informed about the distress the family is experiencing due to their son’s disappearance.
The lawmaker criticized the state’s police commissioner and the NYSC state coordinator for their lack of leadership in the efforts to rescue the missing Corps member.
He urged the House Committee on Youth Development, Police Affairs, and Legislative Compliance to ensure accountability in the investigation.
As a result, the motion has been referred to the House Committee on Youth Development and Police Affairs for further legislative action.
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