Body of Abducted Ondo Community Youth Leader Discovered

A youth leader identified as Ojo Abbey, popularly known as ‘Obesere,’ has been discovered dead following his kidnapping by armed assailants in Isua Akoko, located in the Akoko South East Local Council Area of Ondo State.

Abbey was reportedly taken under duress by suspected herdsmen while he returned from Ibilo, Edo State. Residents recounted that the abduction occurred on February 22, with the attackers fleeing into the thickets that delineate the borders of Ondo and Edo states.

One local resident, Tunji, shared that after alerting the police about Abbey's abduction, community members along with local hunters organized multiple search efforts to locate him.

Tragically, hopes for his safe return were extinguished when his lifeless body was found over the weekend in a secluded forest in Igara, Edo State. Sources indicated that Abbey’s body showed signs of decomposition, suggesting he may have been killed shortly after he was taken.

In a statement released by the Isua Youth Forum, National President Abimbola Oluwafemi stated that Abbey's death underscores the growing insecurity in the region. "We call on our Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for urgent intervention regarding this issue and the overall rising insecurity affecting Isua and Akoko South-East at large," he suggested.

Oluwafemi demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into Abbey's murder. "All perpetrators involved in this atrocious act must be identified and brought to justice. The citizens of Isua and our local government expect firm action to be taken," he stressed.

Abayomi Jimoh, the Police Public Relations Officer for Ondo State, confirmed the incident and mentioned that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Abbey. This individual is currently in police custody and is assisting with ongoing inquiries.

Additionally, the police have intensified surveillance and resource allocation across the impacted areas, particularly along the Ondo–Edo border, to deter further incidents and apprehend other fleeing suspects.

The police report indicates that the abduction was reported at Isua Division around 7:45 PM on February 22, where it was noted that Abbey, a male, was abducted by armed men suspected to be herders while returning from Ibilọ, Edo State.

Upon the report, the Divisional Police Officer promptly dispatched patrol teams to the location. Abbey's vehicle, an Almera with registration number KJA 440 DB, has been retrieved and secured at the police station.

The Command extended condolences to the bereaved family and assured the public that those responsible for this crime will face justice.

The Ondo State Police Command has also urged local residents to maintain their daily activities peacefully without fear while reaffirming its commitment to combatting crime and ensuring safety across the state.

The three states of Kogi, Ondo, and Edo have recently faced persistent assaults by bandits, resulting in numerous fatalities and abductions. Although police officials have arrested multiple individuals alleged to be kidnappers, there have been few successful prosecutions, leading to a perception of impunity among criminal elements in the region.