UI Student Abducted in Imo — University Demands Immediate Release

June 23, 2026 4 min read

A 300-level student at the University of Ibadan was abducted on Saturday evening while returning from a religious conference in Imo State, university authorities confirmed. The incident has sent shockwaves through the campus community, where students and lecturers are now calling for immediate action to secure the release of their classmate.

What Happened at the Conference

The student had attended a three-day religious gathering held at a venue in Owerri, Imo State's capital. Fellow attendees told reporters that the student left the venue around 7 pm on Saturday in a shared taxi heading toward the motor park. Witnesses said the vehicle was intercepted less than two kilometres from the park by armed men. The taxi driver was found later that night, unharmed, near the Orlu road junction. Police in Imo State confirmed they received a distress call and have opened an investigation.

University Response and Student Reactions

The University of Ibadan's Public Relations Officer released a statement confirming the abduction and said the institution was working with security agencies. "The university is in constant communication with the family and is offering all necessary support," the statement read. Students gathered at the main gate on Sunday morning, holding placards demanding the safe return of their colleague. Some lecturers also joined the protest, calling on the government to address the broader issue of insecurity affecting young Nigerians.

The Students' Union President, Adedamola Ogundimu, said he had spoken with the student's roommates and was coordinating with the school's welfare office. "This is not just about one student. This could happen to any of us," Ogundimu told reporters outside the faculty building.

Security Situation in Imo State

The abduction comes against a backdrop of continued instability in parts of Imo State. Security sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said criminal groups have increasingly targeted travellers on major highways. The Nigeria Police Force's Public Relations Officer in Imo declined to provide specific details about ongoing operations but confirmed that officers were deployed to the Owerri area following the incident. The state government's office issued a brief statement urging residents to report suspicious activity to the nearest police station.

Highway Safety Concerns

Transport workers in Owerri told local media that security checkpoints have become less frequent on certain routes in recent months. A taxi union chairman in the city said his members had been advised to avoid night trips where possible, though many drivers said they could not afford to turn down fares. The incident has renewed calls for improved lighting and police presence on roads connecting Imo to neighbouring states.

Family Speaks Out

The student's family, from a suburb of Ibadan in Oyo State, issued a public appeal through a relative on Sunday afternoon. "We are appealing to whoever has our child to release them unharmed. Our family is devastated and cannot eat or sleep," the relative said. The family declined to share the student's name publicly, citing fears for their safety. University officials confirmed they had forwarded the family's concerns to the relevant authorities.

Broader Implications for Nigerian Students

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of students travelling for religious programmes across Nigeria. Faith-based conferences, crusades, and retreats draw large numbers of young people each year, often involving long journeys through regions with varying security conditions. Education advocacy groups have repeatedly urged universities and religious institutions to conduct security briefings before organised trips. A spokesperson for the National Association of University Students said the organisation would be raising the matter with federal education authorities this week.

Investigation and Next Steps

Police in Imo State said they were reviewing footage from cameras along the Orlu road and interviewing the taxi driver. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether a ransom demand has been received. The University of Ibadan's management said it would provide updates as new information became available. Families of students involved in off-campus activities are being advised to maintain direct contact and share travel itineraries with campus welfare officers.

What Campus Leaders Are Saying

Senior faculty members at the University of Ibadan held an emergency meeting on Monday morning. A departmental head who attended the meeting said the university was considering reviewing its guidelines for student participation in external events. "We need clearer protocols. Students deserve to know the risks before they travel," the lecturer said. The university has not announced any changes to its policies at this stage. Student leaders said they would push for a formal safety framework to be presented to the senate.

The Nigerian Union of Teachers and several civil society organisations issued separate statements condemning the abduction and calling for swift police action. A coalition of youth groups in Oyo State said it would hold a peaceful rally on Wednesday if the student had not been released by then.

What Happens Next

Police investigators are expected to provide a progress update within the next 72 hours. The university has set up a dedicated hotline for parents and students seeking information. Families and university officials are urging anyone with information to contact the nearest police station or call the emergency lines published by the Imo State Police Command. The coming days will test whether appeals for the student's safe return will be enough to bring this case to a quick resolution.