The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the University of Ibadan (UI) has confirmed the abduction of a 300-level female Law student alongside seven other members of a religious delegation who were travelling through Imo State after attending a national conference.
The incident has triggered widespread concern across the university community and renewed debate over insecurity on major interstate routes in the South-East.
The abducted student has been identified as Tomisin Abolarin, a 300-level Law student of the University of Ibadan. She was reportedly returning from a Scripture Union Students’ Fellowship national conference held in Imo State when the incident occurred.
According to available details, the victims were travelling in a convoy when they were intercepted by armed men along the Imo–Anambra boundary axis. Reports from university-linked sources and student media indicate that the group was travelling together after the conference when their vehicle was stopped or diverted and contact was subsequently lost.
Security reports suggest the incident occurred on Sunday, 14 June 2026, shortly after the fellowship’s national conference ended at the SU Camp of Faith in Okigwe, Imo State. The group had left the venue en route to their respective destinations when they were attacked along a corridor known for frequent criminal activity targeting travellers.
The convoy reportedly included senior officials of the fellowship, including its national leadership, indicating that the victims were part of an organised return journey from the religious event.
The UI Students’ Union Government confirmed the development in a statement issued in Ibadan, describing the situation as distressing while urging students to remain calm. SUG President, Temidayo Adeboye, said the union was in contact with relevant authorities and stakeholders, adding that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe release of the abducted students.
READ ALSO:
- Court jails terrorist kingpin’s mother, sister for 40 years
- Yilwatda, Uzodimma call for unity among APC Diaspora members
- IPOB suspends Nnamdi Kanu
He also urged against the spread of unverified information as security agencies handle the rescue operation.Security agencies in Imo State have confirmed awareness of the incident and reportedly launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation. Police sources said tactical teams are working with neighbouring commands to track the movement of the abductors and locate the victims.
Authorities described the area where the incident occurred as a volatile stretch frequently exploited by armed criminal groups targeting interstate travellers.
As of press time, there has been no official confirmation of ransom demands or direct communication with the kidnappers.
The abduction has sparked renewed concern among student and religious bodies over the safety of interstate travel, particularly for organised student groups returning from events in high-risk regions.
