Panic has gripped the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, following the unexplained disappearance of two students who have been missing for more than two weeks.
The missing students have been identified as Andrel Eloho Okah, a 200-level student in the Department of History and International Studies, Faculty of Arts, and John Friday Abba, also in 200 level, from the Department of Economics, Faculty of Agriculture.
According to sources within the university, the duo’s prolonged absence from lectures and other academic activities has raised serious concerns among their peers and lecturers.
A fellow student, who identified himself simply as Ajibola, confirmed the situation on Tuesday.
He said repeated attempts to contact the missing students through their mobile phones had failed, deepening fears about their safety.
“For over two weeks now, they’ve been absent from school. We’ve searched everywhere we could, but there’s no trace of them.
We’re unsure if this is a kidnapping case or something else entirely. What’s most disturbing is that they’re very close friends, and both went missing at the same time,” he said.
Ajibola also expressed frustration over the lack of visible action from school authorities and the police. “We’ve reported to both the school management and the police, but we’re not getting helpful responses. We’re being told to stay calm, yet nothing concrete has been done.”
Meanwhile, family members of the missing students have reportedly begun an independent search and also contacted security agencies in an effort to locate them.
When contacted, the university’s spokesperson, Mr. Victor Akinpelumi, declined to comment on the matter. However, a source within the institution’s management, who spoke anonymously, assured that the university is actively handling the case.
“The school is aware of the situation. We’re working closely with the police and investigating various leads, including concerns raised by their fellow students. Sadly, we can’t rule out the possibility of negative influences or risky behaviors common among some students,” the source said.
Efforts to reach the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages as of press time.
The incident continues to raise anxiety on campus, as students and parents alike call for urgent and transparent action to uncover the whereabouts of the missing students.