‎Police launch manhunt after gunmen abduct two residents in Osun

‎Ora-Igbomina, Ifedayo LGA, Osun State — Security forces have launched an intensified manhunt for suspected gunmen who abducted two residents of Ora-Igbomina, a community on the boundary between Osun and Kwara states.
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‎The victims, Tayese Adeyeye and Sunday Adewumi, were seized late Sunday night, February 1, 2026, at a private residence along Aran-Orin Road in the Papa area of the community. The attack occurred just minutes before midnight when unknown assailants stormed the house, fired shots into the air to intimidate residents and forcefully dragged the two men into a nearby bush.
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‎Confirming the incident on Monday, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said that security operatives began a search-and-rescue operation immediately after the report was received. “Our men, who had gone on patrol, returned to base when the rain started. It was during that period that the perpetrators carried out this act,” he noted, adding that police teams were combing the surrounding area for leads.
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‎A resident who identified herself only as Mulikat said the gunshots caused panic as neighbours tried to pursue the abductors but were unable to follow them into the bush. She and others told journalists that the attackers were suspected to be bandits, though no group has claimed responsibility.
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‎Heightened Community Anxiety
‎The abduction has deepened fear among residents, coming less than two months after a retired customs officer was kidnapped in the same area. In mid-December 2025, gunmen abducted Mr. Emmanuel Owolabi from his home in Ora. He was later released in January after his family reportedly paid a significant ransom.
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‎Local calls are growing for increased security presence to curb the rising cases of kidnapping and banditry in border communities, as residents continue to grapple with repeated attacks.
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‎The police have urged anyone with information to come forward to aid in the swift rescue of the victims and apprehension of the perpetrators.