UK Police hunt for missing Nigerian poet Gboyega Odubanjo
Authorities in the UK are searching for a missing poet who was last seen at a festival where he was due to perform.
Gboyega Odubanjo, 27, was attending the Shambala Festival in Kelmarsh, Northamptonshire over the weekend when he went missing.
The poet who’s been described as ‘loving and caring’ by his family was last seen at around 4am on Saturday.
Mr. Odubanjo, from Bromley, southeast London was wearing a red and white striped gilet with black clothing underneath, in addition to a cream-coloured bucket hat, black trousers, and dark-coloured shoes
Northamptonshire police said Mr. Odubanjo is 5ft 6in, wears glasses, has short black dreadlocks, and a full-face beard. Officers are urging members of the public to contact the force if they have seen him or have information about his whereabouts.
Mr. Odubanjo’s family have ‘profound concern’ for their son’s safety and wellbeing and said his disappearance is ‘entirely out of character’.
In their appeal, they said: ‘He has a warm and infectious personality, a contagious smile, and a heart full of kindness.’
‘We are reaching out to the community, friends, and all compassionate individuals who may have any information that could lead to his safe return. No piece of information is too small, and your help could be the key to bringing him back to us.
‘Thank you for taking the time to read our appeal. We pray for Gboyega’s safe return and for the strength to endure this challenging time,’ they added.
In 2020, Mr. Odubanjo won the Poetry Business New Poets prize for his pamphlet Aunty Uncle Poems and an Eric Gregory award from the Society of Authors.
He is currently studying for his PhD in creative writing at the University of Hertfordshire. He is an editor for Bad Betty Press and the poetry magazine Bath Magg.
Northamptonshire Police said: ‘If you see Gboyega, please call Northamptonshire Police on 999. Information and previous sightings can also be reported by calling 101, quoting reference number MPD1/2619/23.
‘Gboyega if you see this appeal, please contact us or your loved ones – we need to make sure you are safe and OK.’