Reps task Tinubu to prioritise safety of NYSC members

The House of Representatives on Thursday tasked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with ensuring the safety of all National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members across the country.

The resolution was passed following the adoption of a motion to compel the Inspector General of Police to investigate the missing Corps member, Okeke Godwin, sponsored by Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, who solicited the House’s intervention.

The House also charged Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and NYSC Director General Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed to urgently conduct a search and rescue operation for the missing Corps member, Okeke Godwin, who has not been seen since May 9, 2024.

In his lead debate, Hon. Nnaji observed that the NYSC is supposed to ensure the safety of Corps members, but unfortunately, many of them fall prey to various dangerous elements in the communities where they are posted.

He stated that the family of the missing Corps member has tried unsuccessfully to locate their son, who went missing while serving in Ondo State.

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Hon. Nnaji noted that Mr. Godwin, who hailed from Umuanyi Village, Ovuorie, Ugbawka Community in Nkanu East Local Government Area and was the best graduating student in the Computer Science Department at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, has been missing while serving in Ondo State.

He stated that Mr. Godwin was supposed to complete his NYSC assignment on June 17, 2024, but went missing on May 9, 2024, which was the day his parents were unable to reach him on his mobile phone.

“On May 13, 2024, the mother of the missing Corps member, Mrs. Okeke Patience, and his younger brother went to Akure, Ondo State, to verify the situation. They visited his place of primary assignment and residence but could not obtain any vital information.

“The relatives reported the matter to the Nigerian Police (Ijakpo Police Division), who sent a signal to other police stations and the police headquarters in Ondo State for investigation. However, after some interrogations, the family has not received any comprehensive communication regarding the outcome of these investigations.

“The relatives also reported the matter to the local government and the state office of the NYSC, including the community leadership. However, to date, the matter is still pending without any information leading to his rescue.”

Hon. Nnaji added that on June 19, 2024, Godwin’s mother, two relatives, and a journalist visited the Ondo State Police Command and the NYSC state and local government offices, where the journalist made inquiries and produced a documentary via Trust Television.

According to him, the NYSC headquarters in Abuja was notified of the pain the family has been enduring due to the disappearance of their son.

The lawmaker criticized the state’s commissioner of police and the NYSC state coordinator for failing to provide leadership in the rescue of the missing Corps member.

He also called on the House Committee on Youth Development, Police Affairs, and Legislative Compliance to ensure accountability.

To this end, the motion was referred to the House Committee on Youth Development and Police Affairs for further legislative action.