Three months after the deadly attack that rocked Oke-Ode community in Kwara State, the pain and uncertainty remain fresh for many residents. For Mr. Abiodun Emmanuel Bamigbola, Head of the Farmers’ Association, the tragedy is deeply personal. His daughter, who went missing during the chaos of that night, has yet to be found. In this interview with Event Diary Lifestyle, he opens up on the emotional toll, the prolonged search, and the fear that continues to define his family’s daily life.
Three months after the Oke-Ode attack, what is the current situation regarding your missing daughter?
Three months later, we are still in the same painful situation. There is no trace of her, no clear information, nothing to hold on to. Every day we wake up hoping for news, but the silence continues. It is very difficult because as a parent, you want to protect your child, but now I don’t even know where she is or what condition she might be in.
Can you recall how you first realized she was missing that night?
That night was full of panic. We heard strange noises and suddenly people started running. Everyone was trying to save their lives. In that confusion, we got separated. When things became a bit calmer, we started calling her name, searching around, thinking she might be hiding somewhere. But there was no response. That moment was when the fear really set in—that something was wrong.
What efforts have you made in these three months to find her?
We have done everything within our reach. We searched neighbouring villages, spoke to community members, and contacted relatives far and near. We also followed up on every small piece of information we heard, even rumours, just hoping it might lead somewhere. But none of it has brought us closer to finding her. It is exhausting, both physically and emotionally.
How has this situation affected you and your family, especially your wife?
It has completely changed our lives. My wife is deeply traumatised. She cries often and hardly sleeps well. As a family, we are not the same anymore. The fear, the uncertainty—it weighs on us every day. Even where we are staying now, we don’t feel completely safe because of the threats surrounding us.
Has there been any contact or any credible information about her since the incident?
Unfortunately, no. We have not received any direct contact or confirmed information. There have been stories and speculations, but nothing we can rely on. That is what makes it more painful—not knowing anything at all.
What is your message now, three months after the incident?
I want to appeal to the government and security agencies to take this matter seriously. My daughter is still missing, and we need help. I am also pleading with anyone who has any useful information, no matter how small, to come forward. We just want to know what happened. Living like this, without answers, is something no family should go through.