Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Okene, Kogi State — A 20-year-old student of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Okene, has been found dead in a development that has shocked her family, school community and residents of neighbouring communities.
The deceased has been identified as Suleiman Rahama Onono, who was reported missing on Saturday, January 24, 2026, after last being seen on the college campus and failing to return home or respond to calls from family and friends. Her disappearance prompted days of anxious searching by relatives, fellow students and local security operatives.
On Monday, February 2, 2026, search efforts ended in tragedy when her lifeless body was discovered in a bush along the Okene–Lokoja highway, in the Eika-Adagu community, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State. The body was evacuated by police and taken to the Okengwe General Hospital morgue, where it is expected to undergo an autopsy as investigations into the cause of her death continue.
Multiple credible accounts report that parts of her body, including her breasts and other private parts, were missing, though authorities have not yet provided detailed forensic findings. The gruesome condition of the remains has spurred intense public concern and speculation, with some locals suggesting ritual motives given the nature of the mutilation.
Family members, fellow students and staff at FCE Okene have described the discovery as “devastating” and have repeatedly appealed to security agencies for urgent action and transparency in the ongoing investigation. Many students, in interviews with media outlets, characterised Onono as quiet, hardworking and committed to her education, emphasising that her death has left a deep sense of grief and insecurity within the campus community.
Residents of the Camp 2 area, where the body was found, expressed deep anxiety over the incident, noting that the corridor has experienced various criminal incidents in recent years. Some community members appealed to state authorities to boost security measures, including the installation of street lighting and increased patrols at night to deter criminal activity that thrives under darkness.
Security agencies in the state have confirmed that a full investigation has commenced, though official police statements have so far been limited. Detectives are reportedly working to trace Onono’s last movements and to identify suspects or motives behind the killing. The police have urged anyone with useful information to come forward to assist in the inquiry.
The tragic death of Suleiman Rahama Onono has reignited broader concerns about the safety of students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria and the vulnerability of young people to violence and criminal exploitation. Parents, civil society groups and campus stakeholders have called on authorities to prioritise enhanced security arrangements not only around school environments but also along major routes that link hostels and surrounding communities.
As investigations continue, authorities have pledged to provide updates, and mourners have called for justice. Local leaders have also condemned the killing and appealed for calm while urging that due legal process be followed to bring perpetrators to justice.
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