The Bayelsa State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the death of a National Youth Service Corps member who was earlier declared missing in the state, as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. 

The deceased, identified as Levi Anyanwu, had previously been reported missing while serving in Bayelsa State. Police said the investigation is aimed at uncovering what led to his death and identifying anyone who may have been involved.

Missing Case Had Triggered Extensive Search

Anyanwu, 24, was serving at the Ijaw National Academy in Kaiama, headquarters of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, when he disappeared. The Bayelsa State Police Command had earlier assigned its Anti-Kidnapping Unit to investigate the case after he was reported missing.

Investigators had established that the corps member was last believed to have been with fellow Jehovah’s Witness worshippers, Mr. and Mrs. Wisdom George, before he left and could no longer be reached. Police also questioned his roommate and other individuals as part of the initial inquiry.

Earlier Investigation Ruled Out Kidnapping

During the search, detectives uncovered an attempted fraud in which two inmates at the Igbara Correctional Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, allegedly posed as kidnappers and extorted ₦100,000 from the victim’s family.

The police traced the ransom demand to one of the inmates through phone records and concluded that there was no evidence that Anyanwu had been kidnapped. Authorities instead continued to pursue other leads to determine what had happened to the corps member.

Police Continue Investigation

Following the discovery of Anyanwu’s body, the Bayelsa State Police Command said investigators have intensified efforts to establish the cause of death and reconstruct the events leading to the tragedy.

The command assured the public that all relevant evidence would be examined and that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.

Calls for Justice

The death of the young corps member has sparked renewed concern over the safety of National Youth Service Corps members serving across the country.

Authorities appealed to members of the public to provide any useful information that could assist the investigation, while reiterating their commitment to ensuring that the circumstances surrounding Anyanwu’s death are fully uncovered.