By: Adeniji Sodiq Ademola
The search for Efunwole Adedeji Victor, a first-year student of Music Technology Department at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, has entered its fourth week, with no sign of his whereabouts. He reportedly vanished on December 17th, 2023, on his way to resume his studies at the institution after a Mid Semester Break given to the students by the management. He left his parents’ house in Ibadan, Oyo State, on December 17, 2023, and was expected to arrive at his hostel on the same day, but he never did. His phone has been unreachable since then, and no one has heard from him or seen him.
Efunwole Adedeji Victor, who is 19 years old, is described as being about 5 feet 4 inches tall, with a slim build and not too dark in complexion. He has short black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen leaving his parent house carrying a backpack.
His disappearance has sparked a widespread panic and anguish among his fellow students and the Polytechnic community. They fear the worst for him, and wonder if he is still alive. They suspect that he might have been abducted, robbed, attacked, or killed by some of the notorious criminals that terrorize the country. They are especially alarmed by the fact that it happened in December period, and judging by past occurrences of the later part of the year, the risks of such incidents are higher.
His friends and colleagues are heartbroken and frantic for answers. They have reported his disappearance to the relevant authorities, but so far, there has been no progress in the investigation. They have also launched a massive campaign on social media to raise awareness and solicit help from the public.
When Press Council reached out to the President of Music Technology Department, Com. Adekitan Abiodun said the matter has been escalated to the highest level of the institution’s management as well as the Police, and that they’re leaving no stone unturned to find him.
“We are extremely worried and saddened by the missing case of Efunwole Adedeji Victor. He is one of us, and we cannot bear to lose him. We have alerted the management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan as well as the police to intensify their efforts and to keep us updated on the situation. We are also in constant communication with his parents and friends, and we are doing everything we can to comfort and encourage them. We will not stop looking for him, and we will not let him go,” he said.
The president has also called on the public to join the search for Efunwole Adedeji Victor and to report any information or clues that might lead to his recovery. He further urged the public to share his picture and description widely.
“We appeal to the public to help us find Efunwole Adedeji Victor. He is a young and promising student who deserves to live his dreams. He is someone’s son, brother, friend, and colleague. He is a human being who has the right to life and dignity. We cannot afford to lose him to the evil forces that threaten our society. We implore the public to join us in the search for him and to spread the word. We also ask the public to pray for him and his family. We believe that together, we can find him and bring him back home safely,” a source close to his family said.
“He was a kind and lively guy, always willing to help and learn. He had a love for music and he was gifted. He had a bright future ahead of him. We don’t know what happened to him or why he went missing. We are terrified for him and for ourselves. We just pray that he is still safe and alive, we don’t want to imagine the worst,” said one of his classmates, who wished to remain anonymous.
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) South-West (Zone D) has also joined the search for Efunwole Adedeji Victor. The association has written a formal letter to the Students Union Government of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, demanding more information and action on the case. The association has also expressed its solidarity and support for the students’ welfare and safety.
The Coordinator of NAPS South-West (Zone D), Comrade Obasanya Monday Johnson (MLEX), through a memo released on Tuesday 23rd December, 2023, said that the association is determined to find Efunwole Adedeji Victor and ensure justice for him and his family.
“This strategic move reflects NAPS ZONE D’s Commitment to prioritizing students’ welfare. By engaging with the Students Union Government, the association aims to get more clarity and accountability on the case and to offer our assistance in any way possible. The proactive involvement of NAPS ZONE D demonstrates a collective responsibility to ensure the well-being and safety of all students”, the memo reads.
As the search for Efunwole Adedeji Victor hit its fourth week and moving to the fifth week, the hope of finding him alive and well is fading. His parents, friends, and fellow students are praying and hoping for a miracle, while the police and the school authorities are under pressure to solve the mystery and end the agony.
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