In a brazen afternoon assault, armed bandits have abducted an Indian expatriate and killed a police officer at a farm in Oyo State. The violent incident has triggered a massive manhunt involving multiple security agencies.
Details of the Deadly Farm Siege
The attack took place on January 16, 2026, at about 1:00 p.m. at the Aqua Triton Company, an agricultural farm located in Ogunmakin Village, Ibadan. According to sources, approximately ten armed assailants laid siege to the premises.
The bandits targeted 42-year-old Renjith Pillai, a company director, while he was inspecting crops on the farm. He was forcibly taken away by the kidnappers.
Police Officer's Brave Stand and Death
Four personnel from the Police Mobile Force (PMF) were stationed on guard duty at the location. One of them, Inspector Imoobe Prester, courageously resisted the abductors. He engaged them in a gun duel in a determined effort to prevent the kidnapping.
Sadly, during the fierce exchange, the bandits shot Inspector Imoobe. They subsequently fled into the nearby bush with the abducted expatriate and also made off with the officer's AK-47 rifle.
The wounded inspector was rushed to receive urgent medical attention but later succumbed to his injuries and died.
Massive Joint Operation Launched
In response to the attack, authorities immediately deployed a joint team to the scene. This team comprises:
- Police operatives from Idi-Ayure Division
- Additional PMF personnel
- The command's anti-kidnapping squad
- Other tactical police units
- Local hunters and vigilante group members
Their mission is to comb the surrounding bushes thoroughly to track down the abductors and recover the stolen firearm. Intelligence gathered from villagers and farm workers is being utilized to follow the suspects' trail.
The body of the slain officer has been deposited at the Adeoyo Hospital morgue on Ring Road, Ibadan, for preservation and autopsy. Investigation into the incident is actively ongoing.
The police are urging members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist in the safe rescue of the abducted Indian expatriate and the arrest of the perpetrators.
