Missing forestry worker may have run 66-km access road

Aju Iroaga, the 26-year-old forestry worker who went missing last week north of White River, was a physically fit runner who may have travelled a 66-kilometre access road on foot before hitching a ride on the Trans Canada Highway, Ontario Provincial Police disclosed tonight.

The following update was issued tonight by the Ontario Provincial Police:

********************** WHITE RIVER, ON, May 26 - The Ontario Provincial Police requests the public's assistance in locating the missing tree-planter - 26-year-old Aju Iroaga - who has been the subject of an intensive ground and air search in the White River area. Iroaga was working for a reforestation company 70 kilometres north of White River and was reported missing after quitting the job on May 15, 2006.

His employer had made arrangements to transport Iroaga out of the bush to White River but he was not at the designated pick-up location. Police conducted an extensive ground and air search of the remote logging area including the main access road which links to the Highway 17 and a number of branching forestry access roads.

No trace of Iroaga was found and the weeklong search was suspended on May 23, 2006. There is a possibility that Iroaga, a physically fit runner and experienced tree-planter, may have traveled the 66-kilometre main access road and hitched a ride along the Trans-Canada Highway.

Anyone who may have seen the missing man, provided him transportation or who knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact the Ontario Provincial Police - Superior East Detachment at 1-888-310-1122. Description Name: Aju Chukwudiebere Iroaga D.O.B.: 1980/05/17 Height: 183 cm Weight: 83 kg

Nigerian - dark completion, black hair, brown eyes, athletic build. Last seen wearing a camouflage-hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, brown running shoes, black Tilley hat and black toque. Last known residence locale: Richmond Hill & Scarborough, Ontario

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