Relief as missing UTME candidate, Esther Oladele, reunites with family

A wave of relief swept across social media and the Lagos community on Saturday after a student who was earlier reported missing while on her way to sit for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) was found and safely reunited with her family.

The student, identified as Esther Oluwafayofubmi Oladele, had sparked widespread concern after disappearing during her journey from the Epe area of Lagos to Ajah, where she was scheduled to take her examination.

Reports of her disappearance first emerged on Friday, prompting an urgent search and an outpouring of support from the public.

A relative of Esther, known simply as Johnson on Twitter, played a critical role in raising alarm over the situation. He revealed that Esther had sent a chilling distress message to a sibling on Thursday, indicating that she may have entered a suspicious vehicle.

In the disturbing message, Esther wrote: “I’m scared. I think I entered the wrong car. My eyes are itchy and I feel sleepy,” hinting at a possible case of abduction or chemical exposure.

She was traveling ahead of her examination scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday when the incident occurred.

Following the alarming message, Johnson and family members reported the matter to the Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah, Lagos.

Law enforcement officers promptly commenced preliminary investigations, circulated information to nearby police divisions, and issued alerts.

READ ALSO: UTME: Enugu Govt. cancels Saturday sanitation exercise

However, the family was advised by authorities not to rely solely on official efforts and to continue independent search initiatives.

“Police encouraged us to keep up our own search while they did their part,” Johnson explained, thanking the public for their swift support.

In a heartwarming update shared via social media on Saturday, Johnson confirmed that Esther had been found and safely returned home, ending hours of anxiety and fear.

He did not provide full details on where she had been found or the circumstances of her disappearance, but emphasized that she was safe and back with her loved ones.

The news was met with widespread joy and gratitude online, with many users praising the prompt action of both the family and the authorities, as well as the power of public vigilance in helping to locate missing persons.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the case or whether any further investigation into the circumstances surrounding Esther’s temporary disappearance will be pursued.

The incident, however, has once again highlighted the importance of personal safety, especially among young people traveling alone in major cities, and the need for continued public awareness about emergency response measures.