Tragedy in Ondo: Two Missing AAUA Students Found Dead Three Weeks After Disappearance

In a harrowing twist of fate that has plunged the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) community into mourning, the two students who were declared missing three weeks ago have been found dead in a tragic discovery that has shocked residents of Ondo State and sparked outrage across the nation. The lifeless bodies of the students were discovered in a decomposing state in the bush, confirming the worst fears of their families, friends, and fellow students who had been fervently praying and hoping for their safe return.

According to reports sourced from Linda Ikeji's Blog, the two undergraduates, identified as final-year students of the university, had gone missing under mysterious circumstances in the Akungba-Akoko area, where the school is located. The disappearance, which was initially met with confusion and worry, quickly escalated into a full-blown emergency as local authorities and concerned community members launched a frantic search for the students. Flyers, social media campaigns, and student-led vigils were organized in a bid to amplify the case and draw the attention of relevant security agencies. However, despite the efforts, the students remained missing for weeks with no concrete leads—until now.

It was during a patrol by local vigilantes and hunters, reportedly acting on a foul stench emanating from a secluded part of the bush, that the gruesome discovery was made. The corpses, already decomposing, were found dumped and partially covered with leaves and refuse. The condition of the bodies suggests they may have been murdered shortly after they disappeared. There were visible signs of violence, and early indications point to foul play—raising concerns that they may have fallen victim to ritual killers or a criminal gang operating in the area.

As news of the tragic discovery broke, a heavy cloud of sorrow descended upon the university and surrounding communities. Students gathered in clusters across the campus, many in disbelief, some sobbing uncontrollably, as they tried to come to terms with the heart-wrenching reality. The university's Student Union has since issued a statement condemning the heinous act, while demanding a thorough investigation and justice for the deceased. “This is not just a loss for their families; it is a collective tragedy for the entire student body and the nation at large,” the statement read. “We will not be silent until those responsible are brought to book.”

Meanwhile, the families of the victims have been thrown into indescribable grief. One of the grieving mothers, who spoke through tears, said, “I prayed every day that my son would walk back through that door. I never imagined I would have to identify his body in this condition. What did he do to deserve this?” The pain was echoed by the father of the other student, who lamented the growing insecurity in the country. “How can our children go to school and not return? What kind of country is this where the innocent are slaughtered without consequence?”

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the incident and assured the public that an investigation is underway. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, the command is treating the case as a suspected double homicide and will leave no stone unturned in unmasking the perpetrators. “We are working with forensic experts and have cordoned off the area where the bodies were discovered. We urge members of the public who may have any useful information to come forward,” he said. He also emphasized that no arrests have been made yet but the police are following leads.

This latest tragedy adds to a disturbing trend of increasing cases of missing persons, kidnappings, and ritual killings targeting students and young people in different parts of the country. Insecurity, which has long plagued Nigeria, now seems to be reaching new and terrifying heights. University campuses, once considered safe havens for learning and development, are now becoming hunting grounds for criminals who exploit the vulnerabilities of students.

Social media has exploded with outrage and sorrow since the news surfaced. The hashtag #JusticeForAAUAStudents began trending within hours, as Nigerians from all walks of life expressed their condolences and called for urgent action. Celebrities, human rights activists, and student groups have all lent their voices to the call for justice, pressing the government and security agencies to not allow this case to be swept under the rug.

In response, the Ondo State Government released a statement condemning the killings and pledging full support to law enforcement to ensure justice is served. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the incident as “barbaric and unacceptable,” adding that no effort will be spared in securing the lives and properties of all citizens, especially students. He also promised to meet with the leadership of AAUA to strengthen security collaborations going forward.

On campus, a candlelight procession is being organized by the Student Union to honor the memory of the deceased. Many students plan to wear black as a symbol of mourning and resistance against the tide of violence sweeping across the nation. Some departments have suspended lectures temporarily, allowing students to mourn their peers and reflect on the deteriorating safety conditions.

As the investigation continues, the grieving families are left to grapple with an unimaginable loss. Friends and classmates of the slain students have begun sharing their memories online, describing them as bright, cheerful, and full of dreams. “They had plans for life after graduation,” one friend wrote. “Now, they will never see those dreams come true. It’s not fair.”

The discovery of these two bodies should not be just another statistic or a fleeting news item. It must serve as a wake-up call to both state and federal authorities that student lives matter, and that urgent reforms are needed in security architecture, particularly in educational institutions. There must be justice—not just for these two students—but for every Nigerian life lost to violence and neglect.

For now, AAUA mourns, Ondo State mourns, and the entire nation joins in a chorus of grief, anger, and demand for justice. As families prepare to bury their beloved children, the haunting question remains: who is next, and when will this nightmare end?