Gunmen Abduct Local Government Secretary and Another in Ondo Poultry Farm Raid
The Ondo State Police Command has officially confirmed the abduction of a council secretary and one other person at a poultry farm located within the Akure North Local Government Area of the state. This incident has heightened security concerns in the region, prompting immediate police action.
Details of the Abduction
According to DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Ondo State Command, the victims were kidnapped on the morning of Monday, March 9, 2026. The abduction occurred at their farm situated along Kajola Road in the Ilu-Abo community. The abducted individuals have been identified as Joseph Kayode, who serves as the Secretary of the Okeluju Local Council Development Area in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, and Esther Akinlolu.
Preliminary reports indicate that three armed men, who were masked and are suspected to have emerged from a nearby bush, invaded the poultry farm. The assailants reportedly fired shots sporadically into the air before forcibly taking the victims to an unknown destination. This brazen attack has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising alarms about safety and security in the area.
Police Response and Security Measures
Upon receiving the information, the Ondo State Police Command swiftly mobilized tactical teams and detectives to the affected area. Their primary objectives are to commence search and rescue operations and to intensify security patrols to prevent any further occurrences of such incidents. The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has directed the deployment of all available operational and intelligence resources to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of the suspects.
Security operatives, in collaboration with non-conventional security outfits, are currently combing nearby forests and surrounding communities as part of ongoing efforts to track down the perpetrators. The police command acknowledges the concern this incident has generated among residents, particularly parents and school authorities, which has led to the temporary closure of schools in the vicinity as a precautionary measure.
Appeal to the Public
In light of the situation, the police have urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary panic. Parents, guardians, and community leaders are encouraged to cooperate with the police and other security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that could assist in the ongoing operations. The Ondo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property within the state, emphasizing their dedication to resolving this case swiftly and effectively.
