Two lecturers from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) have been declared missing, days after embarking on a journey to Lagos State.
The missing staff members, Emmanuel Odu and Ndifon Vincent, were last heard from on the evening of Friday, May 23, 2025, while reportedly returning to Calabar from Lagos, where they had travelled to purchase a vehicle.
According to reports, the duo were last contacted while passing through Imo State, after speaking with a family member who had inquired about their whereabouts during the return leg of their journey.
In a circular issued by the Office of the Registrar Victor Ene on Tuesday, the university described the situation as deeply troubling and expressed concern over the unexplained absence of the lecturers.
“The Management, staff and students of University of Cross River State regret the unexplained absence of Engr. Emmanuel Odu and Engr. Ndifon Vincent, Lecturers in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of our University.
“According to reliable information at our disposal, the last time that anyone heard from them was in the evening of Friday, May 23, 2025. They reportedly went to buy a car in Lagos and were on their way from there to Calabar. According to reports, they got missing in Imo State.”
Victor noted that the Acting Vice Chancellor and her management team have formally petitioned security agencies, including the Cross River State Police Command and the Department of State Security who are now working in coordination with their counterparts in Imo State to investigate the matter.
“There is no report of any vehicle accident involving the missing lecturers, which makes this development even more concerning.
“We continue to pray and hope for their safety and quick return, and we are in constant communication with relevant authorities.”
The university has appealed to members of the public with any useful information regarding the whereabouts of the missing lecturers to contact the nearest security agency.
