TENSION GRIPS ISUA, ONDO AS YOUTH LEADER OJO ABBEY KIDNAPPED, KILLED

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Tension has gripped Isua, Akoko South East Local Government Area of Ondo State following the abduction and murder of popular youth leader Ojo Abbey, popularly known as “Obesere,” by suspected herdsmen.

Abbey was reportedly kidnapped on February 22, 2026, while returning to his community from Ibilo in Edo State, according to a local source. The assailants allegedly took him into the thick forests along the Ondo–Edo boundary.

Community youths and local hunters launched a search operation after the incident was reported to the police, but the initial efforts yielded no results. Abbey’s decomposing body was later discovered in a deep forest in Igara, Edo State.

Confirming the incident, Comrade Abimbola Oluwafemi, National President of the Isua Youth Forum, condemned the killing and highlighted the rising insecurity in the area. He appealed to Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for urgent intervention and called on the Commissioner of Police and relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation.

“Every individual involved in this heinous crime must be identified, apprehended, and brought to justice. The people of Isua and our local government area are watching and demand decisive action,” Oluwafemi stated.

The state police command, through spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder. The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered intensified surveillance and strategic deployments along the affected area and the Ondo–Edo boundary to prevent further incidents and apprehend other fleeing suspects.

“The incident was reported at Isua Division at about 7:45 PM on February 22 by a resident, stating that one Ojo Abbey was allegedly abducted by armed men suspected to be herdsmen. The victim’s vehicle, an Almera car with registration number KJA 440 DB, was recovered and secured at the station,” Jimoh said.

The police commiserated with the family of the deceased and assured the public that the perpetrators will be brought to justice, urging residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear.

“The Ondo State Police Command remains resolute and fully committed to combating crime and criminality across the state,” the spokesperson added.