The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed that it is investigating the sudden disappearance of five travellers who vanished while journeying from Lagos to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The group, which included four male friends and a woman, was last heard from on Wednesday night, after reportedly making a stop in Anambra State for an overnight rest.
The unsettling development surfaced after Human Rights Advocate, Harrison Gwamnishu, took to Facebook to raise alarm. He shared a disturbing account from an acquaintance of the victims, revealing that the group had not been reachable for over 24 hours.
“They left Shimawa-Lagos yesterday and by 7:00 p.m. said they’d reached Asaba and were looking for a place to eat. An hour later, they said they would rest for the night in Anambra and continue their trip in the morning,” the post read.
According to the narrative, the last communication was a WhatsApp birthday message posted by one of the travellers to his wife around 6:16 a.m. Thursday — after which all communication ceased. All five phones reportedly went off. A brief flicker of hope came around 10:30 a.m., when one of the phones rang repeatedly but was never answered, only to later be switched off again.
“Wedding is tomorrow,” the post added grimly, “and they’ve all gone missing.
In response, Anambra State Police spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed on Thursday that the police had intercepted the viral report and were treating the situation with urgency.
“The Anambra State Police Command has intercepted a social media publication stating that five persons on transit in Anambra got missing. We urge the publisher and family members to cooperate with us by providing detailed information,” Ikenga said in an official statement.
So far, no formal missing persons report has been lodged at any police division in the state. The command has invited the relatives of the missing persons to report to police headquarters in Awka to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Rising Insecurity, Renewed Action
Ikenga noted that Anambra State has been grappling with criminal activities that disrupt peace and economic activities, especially on Mondays. However, he stressed that residents have shown increasing resolve to work with security agencies to root out criminal elements from the state.
He encouraged the public to use all available channels, including the 07039194332 emergency line and the ‘NPF Rescue Me’ app, to report suspicious activity or emergencies.
“We’re enhancing community engagement and refining our security strategies. This case is being treated with the seriousness it deserves,” Ikenga assured.
As the whereabouts of the five missing travellers remain unknown, tension is mounting among their families and friends, who are clinging to hope while demanding urgent action. For now, what began as a simple road trip to a wedding has turned into a mystery that casts a long, dark shadow over Anambra’s highways — and until answers come, a community holds its breath.
Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
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