A 17-year-old girl, Esther Oluwafayofunmi Oladele, was reported missing on April 24, 2025, while traveling to her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) centre in Lagos. Esther had been on her way to sit for the crucial exam when her family received a distress message from her. In the message, Esther expressed fear after she possibly boarded the wrong vehicle, which left her stranded and confused.
The family immediately raised the alarm, and news of Esther’s disappearance quickly spread across social media platforms, leading to a swift search effort. Concerned citizens, along with the police, were involved in the search, hoping for her safe return. Her family expressed deep anxiety over the uncertainty, but they remained hopeful that she would be found soon.
As the search continued, various efforts were made to track her whereabouts. The police launched investigations and reached out to the public for information. Meanwhile, social media users shared the news widely, amplifying the search. Despite the fear that the situation could worsen, Esther’s family clung to the hope that she was still alive and could be found in time.
After a tense 24 hours, good news finally arrived. On April 26, Esther was discovered in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, a considerable distance from where she had gone missing. Local authorities were informed, and she was immediately reunited with her family. Her safe return brought immense relief to her loved ones, who had endured an agonizing period of uncertainty.
Esther’s family has since thanked the authorities and well-wishers for their support during the ordeal. While the reason behind her boarding the wrong vehicle remains unclear, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures when traveling, especially for young people heading to important exams. The family’s joy at Esther’s return underscores the importance of community support in such challenging times.
