After four long years of anxiety and uncertainty, the parents of a former Bayero University, Kano (BUK) student, Shafiu Auwal Ibrahim, have finally found their son living with an Islamic cleric in Kaduna.
Shafiu, a former resident of Janbulo area in Kano, disappeared in 2021 under mysterious circumstances. His sudden disappearance caused deep distress to his parents, relatives, and friends, who searched extensively for him without success. Over time, they feared the worst and began to believe that he was dead.
Recently, however, Shafiu’s parents resumed their search for him, refusing to give up hope. Their persistence paid off when they discovered that their son was living in a village in Kaduna State under the care of an Islamic scholar.
A relative of Shafiu told reporters that the cleric explained he had found the young man several years ago and took him in. “He was found in a village in Kaduna with a cleric who claimed he found him a long time ago. The cleric explained that when he first met Shafiu, he seemed to be mentally unstable,” the relative said.
The family confirmed that Shafiu is now back home, healthy, calm, and safe, bringing immense relief after years of anxiety. “We are grateful to Allah and to the cleric who took care of him all these years. Our joy is indescribable,” a family member said.
Shafiu’s case highlights the growing concern over missing persons in Nigeria, particularly young students in urban areas. While some disappearances are linked to crime or abduction, others involve mental health challenges or voluntary absences. Families often face challenges in tracing missing relatives due to lack of resources, weak coordination among security agencies, and limited reporting mechanisms.
In Shafiu’s case, his disappearance sparked months of community searches in Kano, with friends and relatives distributing flyers and making inquiries at local hospitals, police stations, and religious centres. Despite these efforts, there was no trace of him until the recent breakthrough in Kaduna.
The discovery has prompted widespread relief among Shafiu’s family, friends, and community members. Neighbours described the family as “overjoyed” and “thankful to God for the safe return of their son.”
The cleric who sheltered Shafiu over the years has also been praised for providing care and support. According to the family, the young man received guidance, food, and a safe place to stay, which contributed to his improved mental and physical condition.
Shafiu’s return highlights the importance of resilience and hope for families dealing with missing persons. Advocacy groups have urged families to continue seeking their loved ones and to engage community leaders, religious institutions, and security agencies for assistance.
While Shafiu’s parents can finally breathe easy, the case also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by many Nigerian families whose loved ones disappear under mysterious circumstances.
