27-yr-old graduate declared missing

fuad lawal

May 9, 2015 1:02 PM

A 27-year-old graduate who was due for National Service has been declared missing.

Valentine Jegede, 27, a graduate of computer science, 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 he 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.

He was supposed 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 waiting in excitement for his son's return so they could celebrate.

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, 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.”

fuad lawal