Tension Mounts in Ondo Communities Over Missing University Student
Gideon Akindoyo, a 300-level Computer Engineering student at Al-Hikmah University, Igbaja, Kwara State, went missing on June 11, 2024, after going to his parents’ farm in Lumeko village, Ondo State.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Anxiety has gripped communities in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State following the mysterious disappearance of Gideon Akindoyo, a 300-level Computer Engineering student from Al-Hikmah University, Igbaja, Kwara State.
Gideon, 30, went missing on Monday, June 11, 2024, after heading to his parents’ farm in Lumeko village, located between Igbobini and Ode Irele communities. He was last seen riding his motorcycle to harvest cassava but did not return home. His motorcycle was later found abandoned on the farm, raising fears of a possible kidnapping.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), through a statement by its senate secretariat leader, Henry Okunomo, expressed concerns that Gideon's disappearance might be linked to the ongoing communal conflict between Irele and Igbobini communities. NANS has urged local leaders to intensify efforts to locate the missing student and has called on the Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to intervene and help resolve the conflict.
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Gideon's mother, Mrs. Janet Akindoyo, recounted that her son arrived in Irele on Sunday, June 10, and ventured to the farm the following day. She raised the alarm when he failed to return, prompting a community-wide search.
In response, the Ondo State Police Command has deployed operatives to investigate the case. Police Public Relations Officer Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya confirmed the deployment and assured the public of the police’s commitment to finding Gideon.
As the search continues, the tension in the affected communities remains high, with residents and students alike anxiously awaiting news of Gideon's whereabouts.
