By Idowu Adebomi, Ado-Ekiti
A cloud of fear has descended on Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), following the unexplained disappearance of two undergraduate students who have been missing for more than two weeks.
The missing students have been identified as Andrel Eloho Okah, a 300-level student in the Department of History and International Studies, Faculty of Arts, and John Friday Abba, a 200-level student in the Department of Economics, Faculty of Agriculture. Both were last seen on campus more than a fortnight ago. Since then, efforts by friends, classmates, and relatives to locate them have proved unsuccessful.
The pair, known to be close friends, reportedly vanished without leaving any indication of their destination. Repeated attempts to contact them via mobile phones have failed, deepening concerns among the university community.
A classmate of Okah, who gave his name as Ajibola, described the situation as deeply troubling and criticised the university administration for what he termed an indifferent response.
“For over two weeks now, the two of them have been missing. We’ve searched the campus, reached out to their acquaintances and checked in with their roommates, but no one knows anything. What is even more disturbing is the nonchalant attitude of the authorities. They keep telling us to ‘stay calm’. How can we remain calm when two lives are at stake?” Ajibola told Nigerian NewsDirect.
Sources within the university confirmed that the case has been reported to the police. However, many students have expressed frustration with what they perceive as a slow and disorganised investigation.
The families of the missing students are said to have intensified the search by visiting hospitals, police stations, and nearby communities, but no substantial leads have emerged.
When contacted, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Victor Akinpelumi, declined to provide details, citing lack of authorisation to speak on the issue. However, a senior management official, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the institution is aware of the incident and is liaising with the police.
“We are in touch with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safe return of the students. The investigation is active, and we appeal to the public to stay calm and come forward with any helpful information,” the official said.
The unexplained disappearance has sparked anxiety and unease across the campus, with many calling on both the university and security agencies to act swiftly before the situation worsens.
