Fear has gripped the Ilu Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State following a violent attack by armed assailants. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, January 25, 2026, involved the abduction of a woman and the shooting of three other individuals, including a child.
Details of the Violent Assault
At approximately 8:00 p.m., six gunmen targeted Tomiola Oladehinde at the entrance of her residence on Liberty Avenue in the community. According to local sources, the attackers had initially trailed a businessman, John Ofuduwa, to the area. Ofuduwa, an iron rod dealer from the neighboring Oba-Ile settlement, was ambushed as he attempted to enter his compound and shot in the head.
Innocent Bystanders Caught in the Crossfire
During the chaotic attack, two other victims were hit by stray bullets. A woman identified as Victoria and her 11-year-old daughter, who were merely passing through the area, sustained gunshot wounds. Community insiders revealed that the gunmen were not kidnappers but were allegedly hired to assassinate Ofuduwa, making the other victims casualties of circumstance.
One anonymous source recounted the harrowing events: “John was the one that the gunmen traced to Ilu-Abo. He was about to enter his gate when we suddenly heard multiple gunshots. At that point, we had to run for our dear lives.”
Kidnapping as an Escape Tactic
The abduction of Tomiola Oladehinde appears to have been a strategic move by the assailants. The source added: “It was when they left that we realised that John was shot in the head with blood gushing out. A woman that was also trying to drive inside her compound was kidnapped. Another woman and her daughter were also shot.”
It is believed that the woman was taken to facilitate the gunmen’s escape from the community. As of the time of reporting, no contact has been made regarding her whereabouts since Sunday night. Meanwhile, Ofuduwa was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo and subsequently referred to Ado-Ekiti for further treatment, with community members praying for his recovery.
Community Outcry and Highway Protest
The attack sparked widespread anger among residents, leading to a protest on Monday. Demonstrators barricaded the busy Akure–Owo highway, causing severe gridlock for several hours and forcing motorists to seek alternative bush routes.
Armed with placards bearing messages such as “We Seek Governor’s Intervention” and “We Say No to Banditry,” the protesters called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to address the escalating security challenges urgently.
Longstanding Security Concerns
According to the aggrieved residents, Ilu Abo has endured repeated violent attacks for nearly three years, with previous appeals to authorities yielding minimal improvements. They accused security operatives, particularly the police, of insufficient commitment and delayed responses, alleging that these lapses have emboldened criminal elements in the area.
The community demanded that the government implement permanent solutions to the crisis, urging security agencies to flush out suspected bandits hiding in nearby forests to restore safety and confidence among residents.
