The Ondo State Police Command on Sunday confirmed the arrest of a suspect in connection with the killing of a youth leader in Isua Akoko, headquarters of Akoko South East Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The victim, Ojo Abbey, also known as Obesere, was allegedly kidnapped by gunmen on his way back to the village from Edo State.
According to local sources, the attackers abducted him on February 22, 2026, and transported him to an unidentified location in a forest. Later, on Saturday, his decaying body was found in a forest in Igara, Edo State.
A local resident, identified as Tunji, said the incident was reported to the police immediately after the abduction. He added that community youths, working alongside local hunters, formed search parties and combed the surrounding bushes in a bid to rescue the victim.
Abayomi Jimoh, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the development in a statement, stating that one suspect had been taken into custody and was assisting investigators.
Additionally, he revealed that Adebowale Lawal, the state’s commissioner of police, had ordered increased surveillance and strategic deployments throughout the affected area and along the Ondo–Edo border in order to prevent future attacks and capture fleeing members of the gang.
“The incident was reported at Isua Division at about 1945hrs on February 22, 2026, by a resident who stated that one Ojo Abbey was allegedly abducted by armed men suspected to be herdsmen while returning from Ibilo, Edo State,” Jimoh said.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised patrol teams to the scene. The victim’s vehicle, a Nissan Almera with registration number KJA 440 DB, was recovered and secured at the station.
“The command commiserates with the family of the deceased and assures the public that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be brought to justice.”
The Isua Youth Forum, meanwhile, denounced the killing, describing it as a reflection of the worsening insecurity in the area.
The group urged Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the governor of Ondo State, to urgently intervene in a statement released on Sunday by its national president, Comrade Abimbola Oluwafemi.
“We call on the Governor of Ondo State for immediate intervention on this matter and the rising insecurity in Isua and Akoko South-East at large. We also urge the Commissioner of Police and all relevant security agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and uncompromising investigation into this case.
“Every individual involved in this heinous crime must be identified, apprehended, and brought to book. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. The people of Isua and our local government area demand decisive action,” the statement read.
