By Precious Owolabi Ado-Ekiti
For months, the whereabouts of Miss Olayemi Olatoye, a 38-year old mother from Ilogbo Ekiti in the Ido-Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have remained unknown, leaving her family gripped by fear and uncertainty.
Weekend Hope learnt that Olayemi was last seen on March 15, after leaving her residence on Odode Street, and despite all efforts, no trace of her has been found, eight months on.
Speaking with our correspondent, her elder brother, Mr. Michael Olatoye said the family became alarmed after receiving a call from Olayemi’s neighbour, popularly known as Iya Elewa, who operates a food business in the area.
Olatoye recalled,” Olayemi’s neighbour, Blessing Oyesanya said she dropped her seven-year old daughter with her before leaving the house.
“When asked where she was going, she simply said she would be back soon, but days and months passed, and she did not return.
“Initially, the family assumed she might have gone to visit a male friend, considering she had separated from her husband.
“However, when repeated calls to her phone failed, as it has been switched off since, our concern grew.”
He said after three days with no contact, they went to the police to report a case of a missing person.
“The officers tried to track her phone, but it remained switched off. That was when we knew something was seriously wrong.
“Since then, the family has taken several steps to locate her, including placing announcements on radio and in newspapers, and appealing to the public and government for further help in amplifying her case,” he explained.
According to her daughter, Olayemi never mentioned any travel plans during their last conversation. She confirmed that their relationship was cordial.
Family sources disclosed that she had recently recovered from malaria before her disappearance, but appeared to be in good health after treatment.
A source added that Olayemi had occasionally stayed away from home for a few days without prior notice, which delayed the initial report.
The family officially filed the missing person report on October 3, 2025. Unfortunately, she has yet to return.
The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, the Command urged anyone with useful information about the whereabouts of the woman to contact the nearest police station or call +234 906 405 0086.
“We appeal to members of the public to help disseminate this information widely,” SP Abutu stated.
For the Olatoye family, each day without answers deepens their distress.
The family said, “Olayemi has a light complexion, 5.2 feet tall, without tribal marks, and fluent in Yoruba.
Their greatest hope remains that Olayemi would return home safely, or that someone, somewhere, will recognise her and speak up.