KANO, Nigeria – A Bayero University, Kano (BUK) student declared missing in 2021, Shafiu Auwal Ibrahim, has been found alive in Kaduna State, bringing an emotional close to a four-year search that left his family in prolonged distress.
Shafiu, a resident of the Janbulo area in Kano, reportedly disappeared under unclear circumstances, prompting appeals from relatives, student associations, and community groups across northern Nigeria.
A family member who confirmed his return to Africa Health Report (AHR) on Sunday said Shafiu had been living in a village in Kaduna with an Islamic cleric.
“He was found in a village with a cleric who said he met him years ago in a mentally unstable condition,” the relative said. “We thank God he is back home now. He is calm and in good health.”
The family described his return as the answer to “years of prayer and patience.”
While details remain limited, the case has renewed conversations about mental health support, missing persons reporting structures, and community-based social welfare networks.
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