Ese Rita Oruru, the young Bayelsa girl whose abduction and forced marriage in 2015 sparked nationwide outrage and became a symbol of child rights advocacy in Nigeria, has achieved a remarkable milestone graduating from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) with a Second-Class Upper degree in Education Technology.
Ese’s name made national headlines nearly a decade ago when she was abducted from her mother’s shop in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, by one Yunusa Dahiru, widely known as “Yellow.” She was taken to Kano State, where she was reportedly converted to Islam and married off under deeply controversial circumstances that ignited widespread condemnation across the country.
Her case prompted intense public pressure and intervention from the Nigeria Police Force, women’s rights organizations, and child protection advocates. After months of advocacy and protests, Ese was rescued in February 2016 and reunited with her family — already pregnant with a child conceived during her captivity.
The painful episode became a defining moment in Nigeria’s conversation about child protection, gender-based violence, and forced marriages.
Today, Ese’s story has taken a remarkable turn. Once a victim of abduction and abuse, she now stands tall as a university graduate — a symbol of resilience, courage, and triumph over adversity.
Former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, celebrated Ese’s academic success in a heartfelt post on social media.
“I am super-joyful to honor and celebrate the academic achievement of Ese Oruru! Ese graduated with a Second-Class Upper Division in Education Technology today at the University of Ilorin and now stands as a testament to what a determined mind can accomplish,” Ezekwesili wrote.
“Above all, I thank God for Ese. The future holds so much promise for this young woman whose life has evolved into an extraordinary inspiration and role model for us all.”
Ese’s abductor, Yunusa Dahiru, was later convicted and sentenced in 2020 to 26 years in prison by the Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, after being found guilty of child abduction, unlawful carnal knowledge, and sexual exploitation of a minor.
News of Ese’s graduation has sparked an outpouring of joy and admiration on social media, where many Nigerians have hailed her as a beacon of strength and perseverance.
An X (formerly Twitter) user, @Eyenese, wrote:
“Congratulations to her. This is the girl one pedophile kidnapped in Bayelsa and forced into marriage. Thankfully, there was a massive outcry and she was rescued.”
Another user, @Luqman, described her as “a symbol of survival and courage,” while @Sapphire added, “I remember her story — thank God for all those who spoke out and rescued her from those evil men. Congratulations, Ese.”
@Oyemakun wrote:
“Wow, how time flies! The innocent girl that one hopeless man almost ruined her destiny. By now, she might have had several children living in poverty. God turned her story around beautifully.”
Ese Oruru’s transformation from a teenage victim of abduction to a university graduate continues to inspire millions across Nigeria. Her success serves as a reminder that with the right support, courage, and opportunity, victims of abuse can rise above their pain and rewrite their stories.
