Gunmen abduct a former Nigerian customs officer and allegedly kill a man in Ora-Igbomina, Ifedayo LGA, Osun State, sparking police manhunt

Gunmen on Monday night attacked the community of Ora-Igbomina in Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, abducting a former Nigerian customs officer and allegedly killing a man, local leaders and police confirmed.

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High Chief Sunday Fadipe, Inurin of Ora-Igbomina, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the assailants stormed the town at around 7pm, heading directly to the residence of the former customs officer. Fadipe said the victim was returning home when the gunmen, who had laid an ambush, abducted him.

According to Fadipe, the assailants, while fleeing through farmlands in the Akisa area, encountered a man working with a headlamp and allegedly shot him dead. The man’s 10-year-old son reportedly ran into town to alert residents about the killing.

Fadipe said the police had been notified and were actively pursuing the suspects. He called on the government to enhance security in the area, noting that Ora-Igbomina shares boundaries with Ekiti and Kwara states.

Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed receipt of the report, saying the Divisional Police Officer had visited the residence of the kidnapped former customs officer to gather more details.

He described the incident as a kidnapping, adding that the alleged killing had not yet been officially confirmed.

“Immediately we heard about the incident, our tactical teams were deployed and have been tracking the suspects. With support from forest guards, vigilantes, and local security personnel, we are combing the bushes to rescue the victim,” Ojelabi said.