Residents of Ora Igbomina, a border town in Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, were thrown into fear on Monday night after armed men reportedly stormed the community and abducted a retired customs officer, Emmanuel Owolabi, from his home.
The attack, which reportedly occurred at about 7pm, is the latest in a series of violent incidents affecting communities along Osun’s boundaries with neighbouring states, where poor road networks and sparse security presence have made residents increasingly vulnerable to criminal gangs.
According to local accounts, the gunmen arrived in large numbers and announced their presence by firing shots into the air, sending residents scrambling for safety.
Witnesses said the assailants forced their way into Owolabi’s house and dragged him away at gunpoint.
Shortly after the abduction, the attackers were reported to have moved towards Akisa Road, just outside the Osun boundary, where they allegedly killed a leader representing non-indigenes in the area. This claim, however, remains disputed.
The gunmen were also said to have proceeded towards the Oteere/Ila axis, where they attempted to abduct travellers on the road. The travellers reportedly managed to flee after spotting the attackers, prompting the gunmen to open fire. Several people were said to have sustained injuries during the chaos.
Local security guards and community vigilantes reportedly mobilised in an effort to repel the attackers and protect residents, but their efforts were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the gunmen, who were described as heavily armed and well organised.
Spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command confirmed the abduction of the former customs officer but dismissed reports that anyone was killed during the incident.
The police assured residents that security agencies were investigating the attack and had intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators.