Akure, Ondo State — Tension has gripped Akure and Owo communities following the mysterious disappearance of Olaloye Olatunde, Vice Principal of Ipele Community High School, whose clothes, shoes and personal belongings were shockingly discovered abandoned inside his hotel room in the state capital.
Olatunde had travelled to Akure on Sunday, August 24, 2025, to participate in a week-long Child Labour seminar organised by Trace Project Akure in partnership with Charakids Foundation. The training, hosted at Sunview Hotel, Alagbaka, brought together 56 educators and stakeholders across Ondo State.
Family members confirmed that Olatunde maintained regular communication with them between Monday and Wednesday of the programme. But on Friday, August 29, his phone went permanently off, raising fears. His wife raised the alarm after repeated calls went unanswered, prompting relatives to rush to the hotel.
On arrival, they were shocked to discover that while other participants had checked out, Olatunde’s personal effects — including his clothes, shoes and other belongings — were still inside his hotel room. Relatives photographed the abandoned items as evidence and demanded explanations.
Hotel staff reportedly claimed the missing man had “travelled to sign salary vouchers,” but the account has been widely dismissed by the family. CCTV footage seen by investigators allegedly shows a man leaving the hotel premises on Thursday morning, though it remains unclear if the figure was Olatunde himself.
The development has sparked widespread anxiety in Akure, with colleagues and fellow educators describing the Vice Principal as a hardworking school administrator with no history of disappearance.
Police Begin Hunt
Confirming the case, the Ondo State Police Command said the matter has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad. Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka told reporters that detectives have already begun combing possible locations and questioning hotel staff, seminar organisers, and other participants.
“Our men are on ground and working round the clock to trace the whereabouts of Mr. Olatunde. The investigation is active, and we assure the public that every lead will be followed,” Olayinka said.
So far, neither Sunview Hotel nor the organisers of the seminar have issued official statements, deepening public unease.
Public Reaction
The incident has unsettled both Owo and Akure communities, with parents, teachers and education officials expressing worry over the safety of educators during official assignments that require travel. Some families say they may no longer allow their relatives to attend residential workshops or trainings without stronger guarantees of security.
As the police intensify their search, Olatunde’s family remains in distress, waiting for answers. His disappearance has now become the subject of prayers, rumours and growing fear across Ondo State — with many describing the case as a “mystery that must be solved.”
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