After 22 harrowing days in captivity, a 300-level Law student of the University of Ibadan (UI), Miss Abolarin Tomisin, and seven other Nigerians abducted while returning from a national conference in Imo State have finally regained their freedom, bringing an end to an ordeal that has once again exposed the country’s worsening security crisis.
The victims were released on Monday after weeks of uncertainty, fear and nationwide prayers, according to the President of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union, Temidayo Adeboye.
Adeboye said the release was confirmed by the appropriate authorities and representatives of the organisation involved, adding that the victims are currently undergoing post-release procedures before returning to their respective destinations.
“We have been assured that our student will safely return to the university community soon,” he said.
While the news has been greeted with relief, the incident has renewed concerns over the apparent inability of security agencies to prevent recurring kidnappings on Nigerian highways, particularly in the South-East, where travellers continue to face growing risks despite repeated assurances from government authorities.
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Adeboye thanked security agencies, the management of the University of Ibadan, the leadership of the Scripture Union, and all those who contributed to securing the victims’ freedom. He also expressed gratitude to members of the university community for their prayers, patience and solidarity throughout the 22-day ordeal.
Tomisin, who serves as the National Secretary of the Scripture Union Student Fellowship and Vice-President of the University of Ibadan chapter, was abducted alongside seven others, including the Director-General of Scripture Union Nigeria, Uwem Cosmas, on June 14, 2026.
The victims were travelling home after attending the Scripture Union National Conference at the Camp of Faith in Okigwe, Imo State, when armed men intercepted their vehicle along the Imo-Anambra boundary and abducted them.
At the height of the crisis, Adeboye dismissed widespread social media claims that multiple University of Ibadan students had been kidnapped, clarifying that Tomisin was the only UI student among the victims.
Videos circulating after their release showed emotional scenes as the survivors gathered in prayer, worship and thanksgiving, celebrating their freedom after more than three weeks in captivity.
Their release, however, is unlikely to silence growing public criticism over Nigeria’s persistent kidnapping epidemic, with many questioning why commuters, students and religious groups continue to fall prey to armed gangs despite repeated promises by authorities to improve security across the country’s highways.
