Five Lagos Travellers Missing in Anambra: Police React

The Anambra State Police Command has responded to reports circulating on social media about the disappearance of five individuals who were reportedly travelling from Lagos to Akwa Ibom for a wedding. The missing persons have been identified as Aliu Idayat Opeyemi, Anifowose Promise, Femi Aniyeloye, Alex, and another individual named Femi.

According to a post by human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu on Wednesday, May 21, the group left Shimawa in Lagos and last made contact with their families around 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday after reaching Anambra State, where they planned to spend the night before continuing their journey to Uyo. One of the travellers reportedly updated his WhatsApp status at 6:16 a.m. on Wednesday, wishing his wife a happy birthday. That was the last known activity from any of them. Subsequent calls to their phones either went unanswered or were switched off, raising concern among their relatives.

Gwamnishu said the group’s families contacted the Anambra State Police Command but had not received any updates as of the time of his post. He appealed for public support in locating the five individuals, who include four male friends and the groom’s sister.

In response, the Police Command issued a statement on Thursday, May 22, acknowledging the social media publication and calling for cooperation from the public. Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga stated that the Command had not received any official report at any division or formation regarding the incident. He urged relatives of the missing persons to visit the Police Headquarters to provide more information that could aid investigations.

Ikenga emphasized the Command’s commitment to maintaining public safety under the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu, noting ongoing efforts to improve security across the state. He highlighted that the public’s growing frustration with criminal activities, especially disruptions on Mondays, has led to increased community cooperation with law enforcement.

The Command encouraged anyone with information on the missing persons to contact the police or use available security tools such as the ‘NPF Rescue Me’ app. The public can also reach the Command directly via the emergency line 07039194332 for a prompt response.