Kidnapped Ondo Youth Leader Found Dead

A youth leader abducted by gunmen in Isua Akoko, headquarters of Akoko South East Local Government Area of Ondo State, has been found dead.

The victim, Ojo Abbey, popularly known as Obesere, was reportedly kidnapped on 22 February while returning to the community from Ibilo in Edo State. Residents alleged that the armed men, suspected to be herders, took him into the forest along the Ondo Edo boundary.

Community sources said the abduction was reported to the police, after which youths and local hunters launched search efforts across nearby forests in a bid to rescue him. However, his body was discovered over the weekend in a forest in Igara, Edo State.

According to residents, the body was already decomposing when found, suggesting he may have been killed shortly after the abduction.

The Isua Youth Forum, in a statement signed by its National President, Abimbola Oluwafemi, described the killing as another indication of worsening insecurity in the area. The group called on the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and security agencies to intervene and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Command, Abayomi Jimoh, said a suspect had been arrested and is assisting with ongoing investigations. He added that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, had ordered intensified surveillance and deployments across the affected communities and the Ondo Edo boundary.

Police said the case was first reported at the Isua Division at about 7:45 p.m. on 22 February. The victim’s vehicle, a Nissan Almera with registration number KJA 440 DB, was recovered and secured at the station.

The command commiserated with the family of the deceased and assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects.

Kogi, Ondo and Edo states have recorded repeated attacks by armed groups in recent months, resulting in deaths and abductions. Although several suspects have been paraded by police, prosecutions and convictions remain limited, leaving many victims’ families seeking justice.