Ondo Community Mourns as Kidnapped Youth Is Found Dead Near Edo Border

The Isua Akoko community in Akoko South East Local Government Area of Ondo State is grieving after Ojo Abbey, popularly called “Obesere,” was abducted and later found dead in a forest near the Edo boundary.

Residents said Abbey was seized last Thursday while returning to Isua from Ibilo in Edo State. According to community accounts, armed men believed to be herders intercepted him around the Ondo-Edo corridor and dragged him into nearby forested terrain. The incident was reported to the police shortly afterward.

A resident identified as Tunji said local youths, with support from hunters, began a search across surrounding bushes soon after the abduction report. Their efforts, however, did not lead to an early rescue. At the weekend, search teams reportedly discovered Abbey’s decomposing remains in a forest area around Igara, raising fears that he was killed not long after he was taken.

In reaction, the Isua Youth Forum described the killing as another sign of worsening insecurity across Isua and the wider Akoko South-East axis. In a statement signed by its National President, Abimbola Oluwafemi, the group called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently strengthen security response in the area.

The forum also asked the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to carry out what it described as a thorough and transparent investigation. The group said everyone connected to the killing must be identified, arrested and prosecuted, adding that justice must be seen to be done.

Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident and said one suspect had been arrested and is in custody helping investigators. Police Public Relations Officer Abayomi Jimoh said the report reached Isua Divisional Police Headquarters at about 7:45 p.m. on February 22, 2026.

Jimoh said the Divisional Police Officer mobilised patrol personnel immediately after the complaint was lodged. He added that the victim’s vehicle, an Almera with registration number KJA 440 DB, was recovered and secured at the station.

The police spokesperson said Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal had ordered increased surveillance and strategic deployment in affected communities and along the Ondo-Edo boundary to stop further attacks and track fleeing suspects. The command commiserated with Abbey’s family and urged residents to remain calm while lawful activities continue, assuring the public that those responsible would be brought to justice.