Osun Residents Fear for Safety After Bandits Kill Community Leader, Kidnap Ex-Customs Officer

Following a brutal attack by armed bandits on Monday night that resulted in the death of the town’s non-indigenous leader and the kidnapping of Mr. Emmanuel Owolabi, a former customs officer, from his home, residents of Ora Igbomina in Ifedayo Local Government Area, Osun State, were in a state of fear.

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers invaded the old town, which is close to the borders of Kwara and Ekiti States, in huge numbers and took control of the area for several hours after firing multiple gunshots.
Fearing kidnapping, hundreds of locals were compelled to leave their houses as a result of the attack.

Residents of Akisa and the neighboring areas of the town were frightened by the violence and talked about it in private groups.

According to reports, neighborhood vigilantes and local security guards made an effort to fend off the attacks, but their attempts were hindered by the criminals’ superior armament.

The Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and vigilantes are currently searching the surrounding woodlands in an effort to track down the robbers and secure the release of the kidnapped former customs officer, according to High Chief Isaac Fadipe, the Inurin of Ora Igbomina territory, who verified the attack.

He emphasized the need to reinforce the town with more armed security officers and urged state security agencies and Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke to act immediately.

“We want the government to act quickly on the security of the people because we are living in constant fear,” Fadipe stated.

It was confirmed by the Osun State Police Command that more officers had been sent to the scene.

Following the event, police officers and volunteers pursued the attackers right away, according to Police Public Relations Officer Mr. Abiodun Ojelabi.

He also mentioned that one person was shot during the assault, however the death took place in Kwara State, which is located across the border. Ojelabi declared, “We are working hard to rescue the victim.”