Suspected herdsmen abduct, kill Ondo popular youth leader

— We’ve arrested one suspects

By Dayo Johnson Akure

Tension has gripped the agrarian lsua Akoko, in Akoko South East council area of Ondo state, following the abduction and murder of a popular youth leader, Ojo Abbey, popularly known as ” Obesere, by suspected herdsmen.

Abbey, was allegedly kidnapped by suspected herdsmen while returning to the community from Ibilo, in Edo State.

A local told vaguard that the assailants abducted him on February 22, 2026, and escaped with him into the thick forests bordering Ondo and Edo States.

He confirmed that the incident has been reported to the police after which the search organised by community youths in collaboration with local hunters yielded no fruit.

According to him, the victims decomposing lifeless body was later discovered in a deep forest in Igara, Edo State.

Confirming the incident, the Isua Youth Forum National President, Comrade Abimbola Oluwafemi, said that the “killing of the deceased has further exposed what he described as the alarming rate of insecurity within the axis.

‘Oluwafemi said We use this medium to call on our dear Governor of Ondo State, Gov. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for immediate intervention on this subject matter and on the general rising insecurity in the Isua environment and Akoko South-East at large.

“The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State and all relevant security agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and uncompromising investigation into this case.

“Every individual involved in this heinous crime must be identified, apprehended, and brought to book. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.

“The people of Isua and our local government area are watching, and we demand decisive action,” Abimbola stated.

Reacting, the state police Commands spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and killing of the victim and assisting with ongoing investigations.

Abayomi added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered intensified surveillance and strategic deployments across the affected area and along the Ondo–Edo boundary to prevent further occurrences and ensure the arrest of other fleeing suspects.

According to him ” the incident was reported at Isua Division at about 1945HRS on 22nd February, 2026, by a resident, who stated that one Ojo Abbey, male, was allegedly abducted by armed men suspected to be herdsmen while returning from Ibilọ, Edo State.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised patrol teams to the scene. The victim’s vehicle, an Almera car with registration number KJA 440 DB, was recovered and secured at the station.

“The Command commiserates with the family of the deceased and assures the public that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be brought to justice.

The police image maker said that “The Ondo State Police Command urges residents to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities without fear. The Command remains resolute and fully committed to combating crime and criminality across the State.”

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