The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a council secretary, Joseph Kayode, and another individual, Esther Akinlolu, at a poultry farm in Akure North Local Government Area. The incident occurred along Kajola Road in the Ilu-Abo area earlier on Monday, according to the police spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh.
Preliminary investigations revealed that three masked gunmen emerged from a nearby bush, fired shots into the air, and forcibly took the victims before fleeing to an unknown location. Kayode serves as the secretary of the Okeluju Local Council Development Area in Akoko North-West Local Government Area.
Police immediately deployed tactical units and detectives to the scene to launch a search-and-rescue operation while strengthening security patrols in the surrounding area. Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal ordered the use of all available operational and intelligence resources to ensure the safe recovery of the victims and the arrest of the perpetrators.
Security personnel, working alongside non-conventional security outfits, are combing forests and neighbouring communities as part of ongoing efforts to locate the abducted individuals and apprehend the gunmen. The attack has caused concern among residents, with some schools temporarily closing as a precautionary measure.
The police have urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could incite panic. Authorities continue to appeal for any credible tips from residents to aid in the safe rescue of the victims and restoration of security in the area.