By ‘Femi Okutubo
Following the recovery of a body from London’s River Thames believed to be that of missing Samaria Ayanle, there has been a public outcry about how the University she attended - School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University of London, handled concerns raised by her friends. Her friends allege that their reports were met with a ‘standoffish attitude.’
Samaria Ayanle
Samaria Ayanle
Some members of the public have also criticised the fact that Samaria’s disappearance did not gain adequate mainstream media attention and publicity till friends took to social media – with the search for Samaria subsequently going viral.
Citing a few other cases of missing persons who were later found dead after what appears to be a while, there are accusations that race may have played a role in what seems to be a lackadaisical handling and coverage of the disappearance of Samaria – a Black African.
The public are also critical of the fact that despite Samaria’s body being recovered on the same day she disappeared, it has taken 13 days to connect the dots.
SOAS statement on Samaria Ayanle
SOAS statement on Samaria Ayanle
A statement from London’s Metropolitan Police said detectives believe that a body recovered from River Thames in February is that of missing 19-year-old Samaria Ayanle.
Police stated that Samaria was only first reported missing to police by University staff on Friday 8 March.
An investigation was launched and CCTV enquiries found that Samaria was last seen at her university accommodation near Marble Arch in Central London - in the early hours of Thursday, 22 February.
On Thursday, 22 February at 08:19 hours, police were called by a member of the public to a body on the north foreshore near Putney Pier. The body was recovered. No personal property was found.
Officers conducted finger print tests but these were negative.
Police checked recent missing persons reports but the body did not match the description of any other persons reported missing around that time.
The body was sent to the Coroner to conduct further checks. Meanwhile details were uploaded onto the UK Missing Persons database in the hopes the person might be identified.
After Samaria was reported missing, Police linked their enquiries to the 22 February discovery on Wednesday, 13 March. They have viewed body-worn video from then and believe the person found is Samaria. Formal identification is pending.
Samaria's death is being treated as unexplained, pending further enquiries.
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A Police statement said: “Samaria's family and friends have been informed of this development. Our thoughts are with them and we will support them at this difficult time.”
Anyone with information that could help police should call 101 ref 01/60807/24. You can also share via @MetCC on X..
