24-Year-Old NYSC Member Reported Missing in Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Police Command is investigating the disappearance of 24-year-old NYSC member Levi Anyanwu, last seen in Kaiama after an illness, with no evidence of kidnapping but indications of personal or religious reasons behind his absence.

The Bayelsa State Police Command has declared Levi Anyanwu, a 24-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, missing.

Anyanwu, who was posted to Ijaw National Academy in Kaiama, located in the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, was last seen on October 8, 2025.

According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit has begun a full investigation to determine what led to the corps member’s disappearance. Mohammed assured that all necessary measures are being taken to locate and ensure the safe return of the missing youth.

Last Known Whereabouts

Preliminary findings show that Anyanwu was last seen with a couple identified as Mr. and Mrs. Wisdom George, who are fellow members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses congregation. The couple confirmed that he had visited them earlier in the day and later left their residence.

Further police investigation revealed that on October 4, Anyanwu fell ill and was taken to the Kaiama Referral Hospital, where he received treatment. He was discharged the following day, October 5, but by October 6, he had gone missing without informing anyone of his destination.

Roommate’s Statement

Detectives also questioned Mr. Oke Emmanuel, Anyanwu’s roommate and fellow corps member. Emmanuel confirmed that Levi had been staying with the George family up until October 6, the day he disappeared.

False Kidnapping Attempt

During the investigation, police uncovered a separate incident involving two inmates at the Igbara Correctional Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, who allegedly tried to defraud Levi’s father, Mr. Simon Anyanwu.

The suspects, using Levi’s phone number found online, posed as kidnappers and demanded ₦100,000 as ransom. The money was reportedly sent to an Opay account (7042793493) belonging to one Atinuke Oluwalose, who is believed to be collaborating with one of the detained inmates.

Police have since confirmed that Levi’s phone was found in his apartment and that the kidnapping claim was fabricated.

Possible Personal Motives

Investigators suggest that the disappearance might be connected to personal or religious factors.

“Findings so far indicate that the missing corps member may have been dealing with internal conflicts related to his beliefs and recent lifestyle changes,” the police statement noted.

Ongoing Investigation

The Bayelsa Police Command emphasized that there is no evidence of kidnapping in this case.

“Efforts are ongoing to finalize the investigation and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” authorities stated, adding that the results so far are “quite revealing” and point toward a personal, rather than criminal, situation.

Summary:

• Missing person: Levi Anyanwu, 24
• NYSC posting: Ijaw National Academy, Kaiama
• Last seen: October 8, 2025
• No ransom or confirmed kidnapping
• Investigation: Ongoing

READ ALSO: ‘Go to your Parents, not Boyfriends’ – NYSC Coordinator Tells Female Corps Members

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, GISTREEL