“I’m Scared, I Think I Entered Wrong Car”: Lagos Family in Distress as Girl Goes Missing Before JAMB Exam

 

The Disappearance of Esther: A Family’s Growing Agony as 24 Hours Pass Without a Trace

In what has become an increasingly alarming situation for one Lagos family, the whereabouts of a young woman identified as Esther remain unknown nearly 24 hours after she set out on a journey from Ajah to Epe in Lagos State. Her older brother, Mayor Johnson, is now calling on the public and authorities for urgent assistance after receiving a chilling final message from Esther before she disappeared without a trace.

According to Johnson, Esther had left home in Ajah on the afternoon of Thursday, April 24, 2025, around 1:00 PM. The purpose of her trip was to stay with a family friend in Epe as part of preparations for her upcoming Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination scheduled for Friday morning. It was a trip she had carefully planned, and no one expected anything to go wrong.

But shortly after leaving, something did.

In a message sent to her other sister, Esther’s words carried both confusion and fear. She reportedly wrote: “I’m scared I Tink I enter rong car my eyes is itchy e be like I want to slip.” The fragmented message immediately alarmed her family, and since then, they have been unable to reach her through calls or texts. Her phone has remained unreachable.

Mayor Johnson, who has taken to social media to raise awareness and seek help from the wider community, shared the timeline of events and his growing concerns in a heartfelt post.

“It’s almost 24hrs we haven’t heard from my sister, she was going to Epe from Ajah around 1pm yesterday (Thursday) for her JAMB exam today…. The last msg she sent her other sister was that ‘I’m scared I Tink I enter rong car my eyes is itchy e be like I want to slip,’” he wrote.

With every passing hour, the situation becomes more unsettling. Esther, described as quiet and focused, had been anticipating her JAMB exam with a mix of nerves and excitement. Her decision to stay over with a family friend in Epe was made for convenience and safety—two things that now seem cruelly ironic given the uncertainty surrounding her sudden disappearance.

Speaking with reporters, Johnson expressed deep worry over his sister’s condition, especially given the wording of her last message.

“She said she was feeling sleepy and that her eyes were itching. That doesn’t sound normal to me. It raises serious questions—was she drugged? Did she unknowingly enter a dangerous vehicle?”

The route between Ajah and Epe, though well-traveled, has often been described by commuters as risky, especially for lone travelers. With traffic congestion, under-policed areas, and the occasional reports of kidnappings or criminal activity, families are constantly on edge when loved ones travel across Lagos without company.

Esther’s case has now drawn attention from both the online and local communities. People are sharing her photo and message across social platforms, urging anyone with useful information to come forward.

The Lagos State Police Command has yet to release an official statement regarding the case, though family members say a report has already been filed. Mayor Johnson confirmed that they visited the nearest police station shortly after Esther stopped responding to calls and messages, but as of the time of this report, no leads have surfaced.

“We’re doing everything we can. We’ve contacted the family friend in Epe—she never arrived. We’ve retraced the possible commercial vehicle routes, and we’re asking anyone who saw her that day or was in the same vehicle to please speak out,” Johnson pleaded.

Meanwhile, social media users have expressed outrage and concern, with many demanding quicker intervention from law enforcement. Several commenters have also raised questions about the safety of commercial transport services in Lagos, especially for young women traveling alone.

Esther’s disappearance is a stark reminder of the daily risks faced by Nigerians, particularly in urban areas where security can be inconsistent. For now, her family holds onto hope—hoping that wherever Esther is, she is safe and that she will be found soon.

As the search continues, Mayor Johnson and his family are urging the public to remain vigilant and compassionate.

“This could happen to anyone’s sister, daughter, or friend. We just want her back. Please, if you saw her or have heard anything, contact the police or reach out to us.”

Esther’s story is still unfolding. But behind the headlines, the heartbreak is real, and a family waits—anxious, exhausted, and praying for a miracle.