The corpse of a well-known youth leader in the Isua Akoko community, located in the Akoko South East Local Government Area of Ondo State, has been found in a forest in Edo State.
The victim, identified as Ojo Gbara and also referred to as 'Obesere', was abducted recently while heading home from Edo State.
His lifeless body was located in the Igara forest in Edo by a search team made up of security personnel, local hunters, and community members.
DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, confirmed the report and revealed that a suspect has been detained regarding the abduction and murder of Gbara.
According to a local resident named Ojo Abbey, armed herders were responsible for the kidnapping as Gbara was returning from Ibilo, Edo State.
Jimoh stated, "Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer quickly deployed patrol units to the area. The victim’s vehicle, an Almera car with the license plate KJA 440 DB, was found and taken to the station for safekeeping."
Comrade Abimbola Oluwafemi, the National President of the Isua Youth Forum, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
In the statement, the Isua Youth Forum condemned the disturbing trend of kidnappings in the Isua region and the broader Akoko South East Local Government Area, emphasizing, "Our once peaceful community is now under incessant threat from criminals targeting innocent hard-working citizens."
They described the grim and untimely death of Gbara, whose abduction was reported on February 22, 2026. The statement lamented the failure to secure his release unharmed and noted the discovery of his body in a remote forest in Edo.
"The shocking killing has highlighted the critical insecurity endangering our community. We cannot remain silent while our region is exploited by kidnappers and murderers," the forum stated.
The leaders expressed their alarm at the increasing audacity of criminal gangs, asserting that the residents of Isua deserve to live and move about freely without the fear of abduction or death.
They mentioned that one of the suspects involved in Gbara’s abduction was captured in Edo State. While this development provides some optimism, it is deemed insufficient. The statement called upon Ondo State Governor H.E. Gov. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Executive Chairman of Akoko South East Local Government, Engr. Jude Omolehin Ayegbo, and the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State to conduct a thorough investigation into the case.
"All individuals implicated in this heinous act must be identified and brought to justice. It is essential that justice be perceived to be served. The community is watching and demands immediate action," they emphasized.
The forum also urged for swift, coordinated security operations to dismantle all kidnapping syndicates within the Isua region and surrounding areas.
"Our forests, roads, and communities need diligent security measures. We cannot afford to lose another life to such senseless violence," they added.
The Isua Youth Forum reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with security agencies and community stakeholders to restore peace and safety in the area.
Residents were also encouraged to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. The forum pledged to continue advocating for the safety and security of their community until peace is restored.
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