close
Monday, July 6, 2026

Okigwe Eight: Kidnapped Scripture Union delegates freed after 22 days

Eight members of the Scripture Union abducted along the interstate boundary between Imo and Anambra on June 14 while returning from a national conference are freed.

• July 6, 2026
Eight members of the Scripture Union abducted
Eight members of the Scripture Union abducted

Eight members of the Scripture Union abducted along the interstate boundary between Imo and Anambra on June 14 while returning from a national conference have regained their freedom.

Peoples Gazette reported that SU’s director-general, Uwem Cosmas, and a 300-level Law student at the University of Ibadan, Abolarin Tomisin, were among the members of the Osogbo regional conference who were abducted.

A statement on Monday by the president of SU, the UI branch, Temidayo Adeboye, said the development was “officially communicated to the Students’ Union in the early hours of Monday, following confirmation from the relevant authorities and representatives of the concerned organisation”.

Mr Adeboye stated, “The released individuals are currently undergoing the necessary post-release procedures and will return to their respective destinations as arrangements are concluded. We have been assured that our student will safely return to the University community soon.”

Also confirming the development, The Gazette obtained a video on Monday showing the victims and several congregants praying and singing praises.

The spokesperson for the police command in Imo, Henry Okoye, did not immediately return a request for a comment.

Also, the university spokesperson, Adejoke Akinpelu, and the SU Osogbo regional chairman, Pat Adekuoroye, were contacted for comments.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

States

Three suspected cultists arrested in Akwa Ibom

The police command in Akwa Ibom arrested three suspected members of the Vikings confraternity following a raid on a residential building.

States

Troops arrest 12 suspected Boko Haram collaborators in Borno

The military described the operation as a breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist support structures.

Police

States

Police intercept 81 vehicles over plate number violations in Kano

The CP said the command had observed an alarming increase in the number of vehicles plying the roads across the state with covered number plates.

NationWide

Land Use Act: Governors should emulate Uba Sani, says HURIWA

The group commended the recent compensation to households affected by the 15-kilometre ring road project.

Plateau State logo

States

Flooding: Plateau govt expands waterways, clears drainage systems

Mr Dapiya said the intervention followed recurring flash floods, largely caused by blocked drainage channels resulting from indiscriminate waste disposal.

Court room

Anti-Corruption

Police arraign visa agent over alleged N7.6 million fraud

The defendant was arraigned on a two-count charge of fraud and stealing, to which he pleaded not guilty.