A
graduate of computer science, Valentine Jegede, has gone missing on the
way to his hometown in Kanji, Niger State, after collecting his
Bachelor of Science degree certificate.
It was
learnt that the 27-year-old man had left Kanji on April 28 to collect
his result at the North American University, Cotonou, Benin Republic in
preparation for the National Youth Service Corps exercise.
PUNCH
Metro learnt that he was billed to go to the orientation camp of the
corps on Tuesday in Cross River State, where he was posted.
Our
correspondent gathered that on his way back from the school, he stopped
by in Lagos and passed the night at his friend’s house in Ijede,
Ikorodu. He reportedly left for Kanji around 9am on Monday.
The
father, Oluwaseun, said his son called him when he was at a motor park,
informing him that he was in a bus en route to Kanji. He added that he
had been basking in excitement and waiting for his son’s arrival to
celebrate the result.
He said, “He told me on the phone that he was at a motor park and that the bus would soon take off.
“One
hour later, I tried to get across to him, but his line indicated that
it was not reachable. I became confused when it was evening and I did
not hear from him.
“I called his friend’s
mother, but she was confused too. We have been in darkness since then.
We have no idea of where he could have gone to. I just pray he is safe
wherever he may be. I jubilated when he informed me that he had
collected his result and I promised him a special celebration. He was
preparing for his NYSC. The family is in deep sorrow now. Her mother has
been crying.”
Valentine’s mother, Ronke
Jegede, who also spoke with PUNCH Metro, appealed to the public to avail
the family of any information that could lead to her son’s whereabouts.
She described him as God-fearing and obedient.
“He
is my first son and they are only two. Please pray along with us for
Valentine to come back home safe. I believe it is not big for God to do.
He is gentle and God-fearing.
Deji’s mother,
Mrs. Ajaguna Jumoke, said she received the news of Valentine’s missing
with shock. She said she had reported the incident at the police
stations in Ikorodu.
“I was in
the office when his dad notified me. It seemed like magic. That very
day when he wanted to leave, I gave him N1,000 to buy recharge card and
he prayed for me. I told him we will fast and pray for him to have a
hitch-free NYSC orientation. He ought to have been in camp since
Tuesday. His friend, Deji is supposed to go for NYSC too this year, but
he is sick.
“I reported at the Ipakodo and
Sagamu Road police stations. The police said they would try their best
to ensure he is found. I also went to a motor park in Ikorodu, but I
could not trace him. He told me he would board a bus there. A woman told
me police raided the park in the morning because of a riot. I was
showed those that were arrested when I went to Area N but he was not
there.”
The Lagos State Police spokesperson, DSP Kenneth Nwosu promised to get back to our correspondent.
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