The agrarian community of Isua Akoko, headquarters of the Akoko South East Local Council Area of Ondo State, has been thrown into mourning following the abduction and brutal killing of a popular youth in the community by gunmen.

The victim, Ojo Abbey, widely known as ‘Obesere’ in the community, was allegedly kidnapped by armed men suspected to be herders while returning to the community from Ibilo, Edo State.

According to some residents of the community, the assailants abducted the late ‘Obesere’ on February 22, 2026, before fleeing with him into the dense forests bordering Ondo and Edo States.

One of the residents, who gave his name as Tunji, disclosed that after reporting the incident to the police, multiple search efforts were organised by community youths in collaboration with local hunters, who combed through bushes in order to rescue him.

Meanwhile, their hopes were dashed at the weekend, when his lifeless body was discovered in a deep forest in Igara, Edo State, with a source involved in the recovery operation confirming that the remains had already begun decomposing before they were found, indicating he may have been killed shortly after his abduction.

While confirming the incident, the Isua Youth Forum, in a statement issued by its National President, Comrade Abimbola Oluwafemi, stated that the killing of the deceased has further exposed what he described as the alarming rate of insecurity within the axis.

‘We use this medium to call on our dear Governor of Ondo State, H.E. 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.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ondo State Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, who confirmed the incident, disclosed that
a suspect had been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and killing of the victim, adding that he is currently in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.

The police spokesperson also stated 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.

“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 statio