By Balimwor Ekpe
The Cross River State House of Assembly has called on the State Government, through the office of the Attorney General, to mandate the Director General of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) to produce Miss Dorcas Paul Ojong a missing Corp Member.
The House adopted a resolution asking for an immediate investigation into the mysterious disappearance of the NYSC member, an indigene of Akamkpa Local Government Area who was serving in Akwa, Anambra state.
The House had deliberated on a motion presented by the Member representing Akamkpa 1 State Constituency, Hon Okon Nyong Owuna who bemoaned the disappearance of Ojong, his constituent, posted to Anambra State for the mandatory National Youth Service Scheme.
According to the Akamkpa Lawmaker, Miss Dorcas Ojong who attended the College of Health Technology Calabar, was last seen on the 18th of February, 2024 by her landlady adding that all efforts by her family and friends to trace her whereabouts since then have remained abortive.
“Mr Speaker, Dorcas with NYSC NO. AN/2023/4309, a Batch A, Stream 2 2023 Corp Member who was supposed to end her service in March 2024 was last seen on the 18th of February, 2024 by her landlady who said Dorcas told her that she was going to her place of primary assignment, Federal Ministry of Health, Akwa”. Owuna said.
Owuna further lamented that the disappearance of Ojong has thrown her family into confusion, trauma, and grief adding that the NYSC Anambra State authority has failed to take adequate steps to trace her whereabouts.
In their separate contributions, the Lawmakers lamented the disappearance of Ojong and called for an immediate investigation of the matter.
Members stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the prerogative of the Federal Government. They urged the government to be responsive and rise to the challenge of investigating the disappearance of the Corp Member.
The Lawmakers further expressed empathy with the missing girl’s family while expressing hope that she would be found.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem assured of the Assembly’s commitment to the matter which he described as very unfortunate.
