Mubarak Olaniran, a Part II student of Agricultural Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, who was declared missing on Thursday, has been found. Reports indicate that he was discovered in Osu town, Osun State, on Saturday after being abducted earlier in the week.
The ordeal began on Wednesday around 3 p.m. near the Lagere area of Ile-Ife when Mubarak, traveling to his parents’ home in Olode, was reportedly abducted. Speaking about the incident, Mubarak revealed that he had given two individuals a ride on his motorcycle when the attack occurred.
According to him, the two individuals flagged him down and requested a lift to a destination within Ile-Ife. “I encountered both of them on my way to my parents’ place in Olode after leaving campus. They sought my assistance, and I decided to help,” Mubarak recounted.
He continued, “On the way, one of them asked me to stop so he could buy something. While waiting, the person behind me tapped me, and that’s the last thing I remember until I woke up around 9 p.m. in an unfamiliar location.” Mubarak disclosed that his abductors stole his motorcycle, phone, and ₦400,000 before releasing him.
He added, “I had to run for my life after being let go. Many people I approached for help avoided me, but someone in Osu eventually assisted me. I’m grateful they didn’t take my life because I was terrified.”
Speaking anonymously, Mubarak’s brother expressed frustration over the lack of police assistance during the search. He claimed that the authorities did not provide any support to locate Mubarak. However, he mentioned that efforts were underway to track Mubarak’s phone to identify and apprehend the culprits.
When contacted, Opalola Yemisi, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, stated on Friday that she had not been briefed about the incident at the time Mubarak was reported missing.
Stay updated with more news on our WhatsApp Channel.