Terror Strikes Osun Inhabitants, Community Leader Slain Ex-Customs Official Kidnapped
Terror Strikes Osun Inhabitants, Community Leader Slain Ex-Customs Official KidnappedORA IGBOMINA, OSUN STATE – Fear and panic have gripped the residents of Ora Igbomina in the Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State following a violent attack by armed bandits late Monday night. The assault resulted in the death of a community chief and the abduction of a retired customs officer, Mr. Emmanuel Owolabi.
The brazen attack, which occurred in the border town near Kwara and Ekiti States, highlights the persistent security challenges facing communities in Nigeria’s South-West region.
Insight into the Security Breach
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the assailants, described as heavily armed, invaded Ora Igbomina in large numbers, firing sporadic gunshots for several hours and overwhelming local security efforts.
The Targets: The bandits reportedly went straight to the residence of the former customs officer, Mr. Emmanuel Owolabi, abducting him as he returned home around 7:00 p.m. from his shop.
The Fatality: During their escape through the Akisa area, the gunmen encountered and shot dead a village chief, identified as the leader of non-indigenes in the town, who was reportedly returning from his farm.
Local Resistance: Local security guards and community vigilantes attempted to repel the attackers but were quickly overpowered, with reports indicating the assailants possessed more sophisticated weaponry.
Community Response and Security Framework
The attack has thrown the community into disarray, forcing many residents to flee their homes for safety. Community leaders are urgently appealing to the state government for intervention.
Rescue Efforts: High Chief Isaac Fadipe, the Inurin of Ora Igbomina, confirmed that operatives of the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and vigilantes have since been mobilized and are currently combing nearby forests in a bid to track the bandits and secure the release of Mr. Owolabi.
Government Appeal: Chief Fadipe stressed the community’s perpetual fear and called upon the Osun State Government, under Governor Ademola Adeleke, to deploy more armed security personnel to fortify the area and prevent a recurrence of such attacks.
The Wider Situation of Accountability in Osun
The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the incident and the deployment of additional tactical teams. The incident puts renewed pressure on regional and state security agencies to address the growing menace of kidnapping and banditry, which is increasingly threatening economic resilience and stability in border communities.
Police Action: The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Ojelabi, stated that police operatives and local volunteers immediately began the pursuit of the attackers. He confirmed that the teams are working hard to rescue the victim.
Border Challenge: The fact that the attack occurred in a border community highlights the jurisdictional and coordination challenges faced by security forces operating between Osun, Kwara, and Ekiti states.
Summary Points
Incident: Armed bandits attacked Ora Igbomina, Ifedayo LGA, Osun State, late Monday night.
Casualty: A community chief was killed.
Victim: Retired Customs Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Owolabi, was abducted.
Action: Amotekun and Police tactical teams are currently in pursuit of the kidnappers.
National Threat: The event signals a significant security failure in a region previously considered relatively safe.
Future Directions
The safety of Mr. Owolabi remains the immediate priority. The resolution of this crisis will depend on the effectiveness of the ongoing rescue operation and the government’s willingness to implement long-term security measures to protect its citizens from further “administrative high-handedness” by criminal elements.
