The Great Ife Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State, on Friday expressed concern over the disappearance of a 300-level Chemistry student, Dorcas Oseghale.

The union, in a statement signed by the president and general secretary, Adelani David and Habeeb Oke, respectively, said Ms Oseghale went missing on Wednesday night.

“We can confidently tell you that this matter is being treated very seriously as we are working in concert with the university authorities, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to ensure the safe location of our missing colleague as quickly as possible.

“The union leaders, alongside Dorcas’ mother and friends, just left the Ife Police Area Command to ascertain progress,” the statement said.

It added, “We appeal to all students to remain vigilant, remain in groups, and take care of one another during this trying time. Let us keep our missing colleague in our thoughts and prayers, and assist with everything we can to have her back safely.”

A separate statement by the National Association of University Students, Campus Monitoring Committee, Osun, on Saturday, described the situation as “troubling,” which caused “understandable distress within the Great Ife community.”

In his admonition, the NAUS chairman, Adeleke Samson, urged students to be security conscious on and off campus.

Mr Adeleke said, “We further urge all students to remain vigilant, avoid moving alone, particularly at night, and maintain a high level of awareness of their surroundings. The safety and security of every student remains our utmost priority, and collective vigilance is essential.”

Spokespersons for the police in Osun, Abiodun Zechariah, and OAU, Biodun Olanrewaju, did not immediately respond to Peoples Gazette’s request for comments.