Kidnapped Ondo Youth Found Dead in Edo State Forest, Community Demands Justice

The agrarian community of Isua Akoko, in Akoko South East Local Government Area of Ondo State, has been plunged into mourning following the abduction and killing of a popular youth, Ojo Abbey, popularly known as “Obesere.”

Abbey was reportedly kidnapped last Thursday while returning to Isua from Ibilo in Edo State by armed men suspected to be herders.

A resident of the community said the assailants intercepted him along the Ondo–Edo boundary and dragged him into the forest and the incident was promptly reported to the police.

Another resident, identified simply as Tunji, disclosed that youths of the community, working with local hunters, combed nearby bushes in a desperate search for Abbey, but their efforts proved futile.

The search ended in tragedy at the weekend when his decomposing body was discovered in a forest around Igara, suggesting he might have been killed shortly after his abduction.

Reacting to the development, the Isua Youth Forum, described the killing as a grim reminder of the worsening security situation in the area.

In a statement by its National President, Abimbola Oluwafemi, the group called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene to curb the rising wave of insecurity in Isua and the entire Akoko South-East axis.

The group also urged the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the killing.

“Every individual involved in this heinous crime must be identified, apprehended and brought to justice. 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,” the statement said.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that one suspect had been arrested and was currently in custody, assisting investigators.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, had ordered intensified surveillance and strategic deployments across the affected communities and along the Ondo–Edo boundary to prevent further attacks and arrest fleeing suspects.

According to him, “The incident was reported at the Isua Divisional Police Headquarters at about 7:45 p.m. on February 22, 2026, by a resident who stated that Ojo Abbey was abducted by armed men suspected to be herdsmen while returning from Ibilo.

“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 command urged residents to remain calm and go about their lawful activities without fear, stressing that it remains resolute in combating crime and criminality across the state.