A 42-year-old married woman, Funke Olatunde, who was declared missing in Ilara-Mokin, Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, has been found in a hotel in Ugbe-Akoko, Akoko North-East Local Government Area of the state.
The married woman was reportedly found under circumstances that have stirred reactions across the state.
The disappearance of the married woman had initially triggered widespread concern among residents and family members after she reportedly left her matrimonial home without any prior notice.
According to sources, her husband raised the alarm shortly after discovering her absence, prompting fears that she may have been abducted or harmed.
Ilara-Mokin and Ugbe-Akoko are separated by a distance of about 124 kilometres, with an estimated travel time of approximately two hours and 40 minutes, making the development even more puzzling to those involved in the search.
A source familiar with the incident disclosed that the initial disappearance of the married woman caused significant panic within the community.
“Her sudden disappearance created serious tension. Family members and residents feared the worst and immediately began efforts to locate her,” the source said.
However, investigations later revealed that the married woman was not kidnapped as initially suspected.
Security operatives, acting on intelligence, traced her to a hotel in Ugbe-Akoko where she was found in the company of a 55-year-old man identified as Isa Alaba.
“She left on her own without informing anyone. She was eventually located in the hotel with the man,” the source added.
Further findings indicate that the woman has since been taken into protective custody while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her actions and the events leading to her disappearance.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, noted that the incident led to the deployment of security resources under the assumption that it was a possible case of abduction.
“This kind of situation creates avoidable alarm. Resources meant for genuine emergencies were mobilised because people feared a serious crime had occurred,” he said.
The police spokesperson seized the opportunity to caution residents against actions capable of misleading authorities or causing unnecessary panic, particularly in cases involving missing persons.
He also stressed the importance of communication within families, noting that many such situations could be prevented through dialogue and timely information sharing.
“There is a need for better communication, especially among couples. Issues like this can often be resolved through dialogue or family intervention instead of escalating into public concern,” Abayomi added.
