UI clarifies abduction of law student, dismisses reports of eight missing undergraduates

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the University of Ibadan (UI) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the reported abduction of a 300-level female law student, identified as Tomisin, stressing that she is the only student of the institution currently unaccounted for, contrary to widespread reports claiming that eight UI students were kidnapped.

Tomisin, who serves as the National Secretary of the Scripture Union Student Fellowship (SUSF), Nigeria, and Vice President of the fellowship’s University of Ibadan chapter, was reportedly abducted alongside seven other individuals while returning from the Scripture Union Student Fellowship National Conference held at the Camp of Faith in Okigwe, Imo State.

In a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday, the President of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union Government, Temidayo Adeboye, explained that Tomisin was travelling back to Ibadan with the National General Director of the Scripture Union Student Fellowship, Mr Uwem Cosmos, and other conference participants when communication with the group was lost.

According to Adeboye, the group was returning from the national conference when the incident occurred.

He noted that confusion surrounding the case had led to inaccurate reports on social media suggesting that eight University of Ibadan students were among those missing.

The SUG president, however, stated that investigations conducted by the union confirmed that Tomisin was the only UI student involved in the incident who remains unaccounted for.

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He disclosed that concerns over her whereabouts intensified after she failed to appear for faculty examinations scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, prompting further inquiries into the situation.

Adeboye also revealed that another University of Ibadan student from the Department of Music, who attended the same conference, had safely returned to campus, further dispelling claims of multiple UI students being abducted.

“The Students’ Union Government has commenced necessary engagements to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident and has established contact with relevant religious organisations and security agencies to facilitate appropriate intervention,” he said.

“We wish to clarify that reports claiming that eight UI students are missing are inaccurate. Tomisin is the only University of Ibadan student currently unaccounted for in the incident.”

Meanwhile, the University of Ibadan management has confirmed awareness of the incident. The institution’s Director of Public Relations, Mrs Joke Akinpelu, stated that the university was informed about the abduction but had not been notified of the student’s trip before her departure.

She explained that the incident occurred on Saturday and reiterated that only one University of Ibadan student was involved, contrary to reports circulating online.

“The student left the university without officially notifying the institution of her destination,” Akinpelu said.

The development has sparked concern among students, members of the Scripture Union fellowship, and the wider university community, with many calling for intensified efforts by security agencies to secure the release of the victims.

Religious groups and concerned individuals have also appealed for prayers and support as authorities continue efforts to locate and rescue those affected by the incident.