Anambra Police React to Disappearance of Five Travellers from Lagos to Uyo: What We Know So Far
In a troubling incident that has captured public attention and sparked growing concern across Nigeria, five young travellers—Aliu Idayat Opeyemi, Anifowose Promise, Femi Aniyeloye, Alex, and Femi—have been reported missing after making a stopover in Anambra State on their way to a wedding in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. This mysterious disappearance has led to a public outcry and prompted a response from the Anambra State Police Command.
This article delves deeply into what is currently known about the incident, the timeline of events, the police response, and the urgent need for public support in locating the missing individuals. It also explores the wider context of security concerns in Anambra and how citizens can assist in ensuring safety.
Timeline: How Five Young Nigerians Went Missing After Entering Anambra
The alarm was first raised by Harrison Gwamnishu, a well-known Nigerian human rights activist. In a Facebook post made on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, he shared photos and names of the missing individuals, calling on the public to help track them down.
According to Gwamnishu, the group had travelled from Shimawa in Lagos State and were en route to Uyo, Akwa Ibom, for a wedding ceremony. The five friends had made a stopover in Asaba, Delta State, before proceeding into Anambra. The families of the missing individuals revealed that the group had planned to lodge overnight in Anambra before continuing their journey the next morning.
“They left Shimawa-Lagos yesterday; they called around 7:00pm yesterday (Tuesday) that they have gotten to Asaba and looking for where to eat. After an hour they continued the trip and got to Anambra, and they concluded on sleeping in a hotel and continue the journey this morning,” Gwamnishu reported.
At around 10:00pm, one of the travellers contacted their family to say they were winding down for the night. A few hours later, at 6:16am the next morning, one of the men posted a birthday message for his wife via WhatsApp status. That was the last sign of life from any of the five.
“The last time we spoke with them was around 10:00pm when we believed they were already tired and needed some little rest. So, this morning around 6:16am; one of them posted his wife on WhatsApp status to wish her a happy birthday, and that was the last time we got any means of communication with them,” the post continued.
By 10:30am on Wednesday, attempts to reach all five individuals failed. Their phones were either off or unanswered, raising deep fears about their safety.
“We tried to call five of them it was switched off, both on WhatsApp and phone calls. At about 10:30am today, one of their phones rang severally and no one picked up the call and later the phone was switched off till now.”
Despite reaching out to the Anambra Police Command, the families say they had received no updates at the time of the Facebook post.
“We have contacted Anambra Police Command and no news yet. Please help us to broadcast this sir. Wedding is tomorrow (four male friends) and (Groom sister). That’s five.”
Anambra Police Command Responds to Social Media Outcry
In direct response to the viral social media reports, the Anambra State Police Command issued a formal statement on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
The Police confirmed they had intercepted online reports about the missing persons and urged the families and the public to assist them by providing any helpful information.
“The Anambra State Police Command today 22nd May 2025 intercepted a social media publication stating that five persons on transit in Anambra to seek for accommodation got missing,” the statement read.
“The Command joins the publisher to seek useful information for the Police and other security agencies to enable them to take necessary action.”
Importantly, the Police noted that no formal report had been filed at any Police Division or Formation within the state regarding the missing persons. They urged relatives of the missing individuals to come forward.
“The Command requests the family or relatives of the victims to report to the Police Headquarters for more insight on the incident. So far, there has not been any report like that before in any Police Division or Formation in the State.”
Anambra Police Highlight Broader Security Concerns
The Police used the opportunity to highlight ongoing security challenges in Anambra and reassured the public of their commitment to law and order. Under the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu, the force has been adjusting its operations to address security threats.
“The Command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD, occasionally reviews operational strategies and implements security initiatives to enhance safety, foster community engagement and uphold the rule of law,” SP Ikenga stated.
He further acknowledged that the people of Anambra—referred to as Ndi Anambra—are increasingly weary of insecurity, particularly crimes that disrupt business and peace, especially on Mondays (a day often affected by sit-at-home orders from separatist groups).
“Given the above, the recent security assessment and feedback reveals that Ndi Anambra are exhausted with criminals threatening their peace, and destroying economic activities of the State, especially on Monday and has shown more commitment to collaborate with the security agencies to fish out the bad eggs in the State.”
How the Public Can Help: Emergency Contacts and Safety Apps
The Police also provided crucial safety information for residents and travelers. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity or emergencies through direct phone calls or by using official safety apps.
“To this end, members of the public are encouraged to report to the Police and/or any security outfit on any security-related incident. Otherwise, they should call us on 07039194332 for a prompt response. The 'NPF Rescue Me' app is also available for free download on both Android and Apple IOS devices, for Android and iPhone users respectively.”
What Happens Next?
As of now, the whereabouts of the five missing travellers remain unknown. Their disappearance has sparked a wave of concern not just in Anambra but across Nigeria. Social media platforms are abuzz with posts calling for their safe return, and the incident has reignited discussions about travel safety and insecurity in certain parts of the country.
The families of the missing individuals continue to seek answers, clinging to hope and urging anyone with information to come forward.
Conclusion: Nigeria's Road Travel Safety Under Scrutiny
This case underscores the urgent need for improved security on Nigerian roads and better coordination between law enforcement agencies. While the Anambra Police have promised to investigate the matter, the outcome remains to be seen.
For now, the nation watches and waits, hoping that Aliu Idayat Opeyemi, Anifowose Promise, Femi Aniyeloye, Alex, and Femi will return safely to their families.
