Decomposed Body of Abducted Ondo Youth Leader Found in Edo Forest
The grim discovery of a decomposing body in an Edo State forest has sent shockwaves through the Isua Akoko community in Ondo State. The victim, identified as Ojo Gbara, popularly known as 'Obesere,' was a well-known youth leader who was kidnapped a few days ago while returning home from Edo State.
Details of the Abduction and Discovery
According to police reports, Gbara was abducted by armed herders on his way back from Ibilo, Edo State. The Ondo State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the crime. The victim's vehicle, a Nissan Almera with registration number KJA 440 DB, was recovered and secured at the police station following immediate mobilization of patrol teams to the scene.
A rescue team comprising security operatives, local hunters, and community youths discovered Gbara's lifeless body in the forest of Igara, Edo State. The body showed signs of decomposition, indicating he had been killed shortly after his abduction.
Community Outrage and Calls for Action
The National President of the Isua Youth Forum, Comrade Abimbola Oluwafemi, issued a strongly worded statement condemning what he described as "the alarming rise in kidnapping activities ravaging the Isua axis." The statement, released on Saturday, February 28, 2026, expressed deep pain over the recovery of Gbara's body after several days of efforts to secure his release.
"Our community, once known for peace and hospitality, is now under constant threat from criminal elements," Oluwafemi stated. "His tragic death has further exposed the dangerous level of insecurity confronting our people. We can no longer remain silent while our land is turned into a playground for kidnappers and murderers."
Demands for Security Intervention
The Isua Youth Forum has called for immediate intervention from Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Executive Chairman of Akoko South East Local Government Engr Jude Omolehin Ayegbo, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, and all relevant security agencies. They demand:
- A thorough, transparent investigation into the kidnapping and murder
- Identification and prosecution of all individuals involved in the crime
- Immediate security operations to dismantle kidnapping syndicates in the area
- Comprehensive security sweeps of forests, roads, and communities
"Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done," the statement emphasized. "The people of Isua and our local government area are watching, and we demand decisive action."
Collaboration and Vigilance
The youth forum expressed readiness to collaborate with security agencies and community stakeholders to restore peace and safety. They also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to authorities, vowing not to relent until their community is secure again.
This incident highlights the growing security challenges in the border areas between Ondo and Edo States, where criminal elements have increasingly targeted travelers and residents. The arrest of one suspect provides some hope for justice, but community leaders stress that much more needs to be done to address the root causes of insecurity in the region.
