Gunmen kidnap Ondo LG secretary, one other

Gunmen have abducted a council secretary and one other person at a poultry farm in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, who made this known in a statement on Monday, March 9, 2026, said the victims were abducted on Monday morning at their farm along Kajola Road, Ilu-Abo.

He identified the abducted persons as Joseph Kayode and Esther Akinlolu.

Kayode is the Secretary of Okeluju Local Council Development Area in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Jimoh said preliminary investigation revealed that three gunmen, who were masked and suspected to have emerged from a nearby bush, invaded the poultry farm.

Jimoh said the gunmen fired sporadically into the air before whisking the victims away to an unknown destination.

The police spokesman stated: “Upon receipt of the information, the command immediately mobilised tactical teams and detectives to the affected area to commence search and rescue operations, as well as intensify security patrols to prevent further occurrences.

“The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, directed the deployment of all available operational and intelligence resources to ensure the safe rescue of the victims, and the apprehension of the suspects.

Protest as gunmen kill farmer in Ondo community

“Security operatives alongside non-conventional security outfits are currently combing nearby forests and surrounding communities as part of ongoing efforts to track down the perpetrators.

“The command understands the concern this incident has generated among residents, particularly parents and school authorities, which has resulted in the temporary closure of schools.

“However, members of the public are urged to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary panic.

“Parents, guardians, and community leaders are encouraged to cooperate with the police and other security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that could assist ongoing operations.”

The Star