Tension gripped residents of Ilu-Abo in Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State, on Monday after suspected gunmen abducted the Secretary of Okeluju Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and two others during an attack on a poultry farm along Kajola Road.
One of the victims, Joseph Aladesuyi, was reportedly ambushed while heading to his farm with his daughter.
Eyewitnesses said about 10 armed assailants emerged suddenly, firing sporadic shots that caused panic before whisking the council official away to an unknown location.
His daughter, however, was left behind.
A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the attack as “sudden and shocking.
“They were heavily armed and started shooting to scare people away. Everyone ran for safety before they took the victims into the bush,” the source said.
The incident sparked widespread fear in the community, with parents reportedly rushing to nearby schools to withdraw their children amid concerns over further attacks.
Confirming the abduction, Jimoh Abayomi, spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, said the force launched an immediate rescue operation.
“The Ondo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a reported case of kidnapping that occurred on Monday, March 9, 2026, at a poultry farm along Kajola Road, Ilu-Abo,” he stated.
Abayomi added that preliminary reports indicated three masked gunmen abducted Joseph Kayode and Easter Akinlolu after firing shots into the air.
“Upon receipt of the information, the Command immediately mobilised tactical teams and detectives to the area to commence search and rescue operations and intensify security patrols to prevent further occurrences,” he said.
Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal has directed the deployment of all operational and intelligence resources to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of the perpetrators.
Security operatives, alongside local vigilante groups and other community security outfits, are combing nearby forests and surrounding communities in search of the abductors.
The police also appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could 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 ongoing operations,” Abayomi added.
He assured the public that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
