The bodies of two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, who were declared missing three weeks ago, have been found in a forest area along the border between Ondo and Ekiti States. The news has sent shockwaves throughout the entire university community and beyond, as many had hoped they would be found alive.
The deceased students, identified as Andrel Eloho Okah, a 200-level student of History and International Studies, and John Friday Abba, a 200-level student of Economics, were reportedly discovered lifeless in a bush over the weekend, according to TVC News. The students had been missing since late June, and extensive search efforts had been ongoing by both local authorities and volunteer groups.
While the exact circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear, security sources quoted in the report believe the students may have been victims of abduction. Investigations are currently ongoing to determine the cause of death and to uncover those responsible for this heinous act.
“The two missing AAUA students were killed by suspected abductors, and their bodies have been found where they were hidden,” a source was quoted as saying. The discovery has left families and fellow students devastated, sparking calls for urgent action to address the rising insecurity affecting young people in the region.
The tragic discovery has plunged the university community into deep mourning, with students and staff expressing shock and heartbreak over the loss. Candlelight vigils and prayer sessions have already been organized on campus as friends and classmates pay tribute to the victims, describing them as hardworking and cheerful individuals who had bright futures ahead.
The President of the Students Union Government (SUG), Akeem Ologbon, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday. He said the discovery of the students’ remains has caused widespread sorrow on campus and recalled the proactive steps taken by the union when the students were first reported missing.
“Specifically, we reached out to the anti-kidnapping squad in Akure, which has the mandate and expertise to handle such sensitive cases. We also contacted all relevant security formations within the state and ensured that the newly appointed Commissioner of Police was fully briefed,” Ologbon said. He further emphasized that the union left no stone unturned in working with security agencies, even dispatching representatives to coordinate search operations in nearby towns and forests.
Ologbon added that the union also liaised with the Scorpion Squad of the Nigerian Police Force in Akure to ensure the matter received the necessary attention across multiple security agencies. Despite their best efforts, the final outcome has left the entire university family in grief and frustration over the insecurity plaguing students.
“As we continue to process this painful news, we urge all students and members of the university community to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information. The Student Union is in close contact with official sources and will disseminate only accurate and confirmed updates,” he advised. Ologbon highlighted the importance of community support during this time, calling on students to look out for each other and report any suspicious movements promptly.
He assured the student body that the union will pursue justice for the deceased with unwavering commitment. Plans are already underway to organize memorial activities and to engage government authorities to intensify security measures on and around campus. The union promised to keep pushing until the perpetrators are brought to justice and to continue advocating for better protection of students nationwide.