A 300-level Law student of the University of Ibadan (UI), who was abducted alongside other travellers while returning from a religious conference in Imo State, has regained her freedom.
The development was confirmed by the University of Ibadan Students’ Union (UISU) in a statement issued on Monday and signed by its President, Temidayo S. Adeboye, and General Secretary, Joshua O. Shontan.
According to the union, the student, identified as Miss Fumilayo, was safely released after about 22 days in captivity.
“The University of Ibadan Students’ Union is pleased to inform the University community that our student, Miss Fumilayo, a 300-Level student of the Faculty of Law, who was abducted alongside other individuals, has been safely released,” the statement read.
The union said it received official confirmation of the development in the early hours of Monday from the relevant authorities and representatives of the concerned organisation.
It added that the released victims, numbering eight, are currently undergoing necessary post-release procedures before returning to their respective destinations.
“We have been assured that our student will safely return to the University community soon,” the statement added.
The Students’ Union did not disclose the circumstances surrounding the student’s release or whether any rescue operation or negotiations led to her freedom.
The union expressed appreciation to security agencies, the University management, the leadership of the Scripture Union and everyone who contributed to securing the release of the victims.
It also thanked members of the university community for their prayers, patience and solidarity throughout the period of uncertainty.
“As we celebrate this welcome news, we remain grateful to God and pray for the complete healing, restoration, and well-being of everyone affected,” the statement concluded.
The student’s abduction had sparked widespread concern within the university community after she was reported missing in mid-June while returning from the Scripture Union National Conference held at the Camp of Faith in Okigwe, Imo State.
She was travelling with other conference participants, including officials of the Scripture Union Student Fellowship, when contact with the group was lost.
At the time, the Students’ Union clarified reports circulating on social media, stating that only one University of Ibadan student was involved in the incident, contrary to claims that eight UI students had been kidnapped. The victim, a 300-level Law student, serves as the National Secretary of the Scripture Union Student Fellowship, Nigeria, and Vice-President of the fellowship’s University of Ibadan chapter. Her absence from scheduled faculty examinations further heightened anxiety among students and staff.
