The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the University of Ibadan (UI) has confirmed the abduction of a 300-level female law student while returning from a religious conference in Imo State.
The SUG President, Mr Temidayo Adeboye, disclosed in a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday that the victim, simply identified as Tomisin, was abducted alongside seven others.
According to the president, Tomisin was travelling with the National General Director of the Scripture Union Student Fellowship, Mr Uwem Cosmos, and other participants.
They were said to be on their way back to Ibadan after attending the Scripture Union National Conference, held at the Camp of Faith, Okigwe, Imo State.
According to the SUG president, Tomisin serves as the National Secretary of the Scripture Union Student Fellowship, Nigeria, and the fellowship’s Vice President, University of Ibadan chapter.
He said that, contrary to reports circulating on social media, only one student of the university was among those declared missing after communication with the group was lost.
“The union has initiated the necessary engagements to ascertain the facts surrounding the situation and has established contact with relevant religious organisations and security agencies to facilitate appropriate intervention.
“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,” he said.
Adeboye said the student’s disappearance became apparent after she failed to sit for her faculty examinations, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.
He added that another UI student from the Department of Music, who also attended the conference, had since returned safely.
Meanwhile, UI Director of Public Relations, Mrs Joke Akinpelu, confirmed that the institution was aware of the incident, but was not informed about the trip.
According to her, the incident occurred on Saturday, adding that she was the only UI student abducted, contrary to viral reports that eight UI students were abducted.
“The student left the university without officially notifying the institution of her destination,” she said.
Students and members of the Scripture Union have called for prayers and urgent efforts to secure the victims’ release.
