A 300-level Computer Engineering student of Al-Hikmah University, Igbaja in Kwara State, Akindoyo Gideon, has been reportedly abducted in the Irele council area of Ondo State. This alarming incident has sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious concerns about the safety and security of students in the region.
Sources said that the victim was abducted at his parent’s farm located at Lumeko village, which is situated between Igbobini and Ode Irele Communities in the Ese Odo and Irele council area of the state. The farm, a place that should have been a safe haven for Gideon, turned into the scene of his mysterious disappearance.
Gideon, it was learnt, had traveled to meet with his parents and later went to the farm with his motorcycle to harvest cassava before he was reportedly abducted on the farm. The young student, who had only intended to help his family with farm work, found himself in a perilous situation that no one could have anticipated.
His motorcycle was later discovered on the farm while his whereabouts remained unknown. The sight of the abandoned motorcycle has left his family and friends in a state of despair, as they grapple with the uncertainty of his fate.
Meanwhile, in a statement by its leader, Henry Okunomo, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) urged the state security agencies to find the missing person. The association’s call for action underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for a swift response from the authorities.
The association, however, linked the disappearance of 30-year-old Gideon to the lingering communal crisis between Irele and Igbobini Communities. This ongoing conflict has created an environment of tension and hostility, making it difficult to ascertain the true motives behind Gideon’s abduction. NANS has called on the leaders of the two communities to find the missing student, dead or alive, emphasizing the importance of resolving the crisis to prevent further incidents.
Okunomo said that “information gathered from the National President of Irele Local Government Students and a community leader, Dr. Adekugbe Erik, indicates that the student had traveled home to gather foodstuffs from his community, only to be abducted while working on his father’s farm.” This statement highlights the tragic irony of Gideon’s situation, as his efforts to support his family have led to his disappearance.
“The community leader reported that the student’s disappearance coincided with an attack by the Igbobini community, resulting in destroyed homes and properties. This correlation suggests that Gideon’s abduction may be part of a larger pattern of violence and retribution between the two communities.
“We categorically demand that the leadership of both Irele and Igbobini communities produce the student, either dead or alive, within the next 72 hours. Failure to do so will compel us to relocate the NANS secretariat to the affected communities, where we will remain until the student’s safe return is secured.” This ultimatum from NANS reflects the gravity of the situation and the association’s determination to see justice served.
They called on the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to intervene and employ all necessary measures to resolve the lingering crisis between the two communities. According to them, “the safety and security of our members are non-negotiable, and we will not hesitate to take drastic action if our demands are not met.” This appeal to the governor underscores the need for strong leadership and decisive action to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure the safety of all residents.
The mother of the abducted student, Mrs. Janet Akindoyo, said the boy arrived in Irele on Sunday, June 10, and went to the farm to harvest the following day but had not returned up to the time of filing this report. Her anguish and desperation are palpable as she recounts the events leading up to her son’s disappearance.
“He has not returned. The search party saw his motorcycle where he parked it, but we haven’t seen him. I’m appealing to the security and the people to help find him,” she appealed. Mrs. Akindoyo’s plea for help is a poignant reminder of the human toll of this crisis and the urgent need for a resolution.
Contacted, the state Police image maker, Funmi Odunlami, confirmed the abduction of the student. Odunlami said, “Our men are working in the forest in search of the person, and an investigation into the matter has begun.” This statement provides a glimmer of hope that the authorities are taking the necessary steps to locate Gideon and bring him back safely.
In conclusion, the abduction of Akindoyo Gideon has highlighted the broader issues of communal conflict and insecurity in the region. It is imperative that the authorities, community leaders, and all stakeholders work together
