Tension gripped residents of Isua Akoko in Akoko South East Local Government Area of Ondo State after the body of a young man who was earlier declared missing was found in a forest across the Ondo/Edo boundary. 

The discovery has sparked grief and anger in the agrarian community.

The deceased, Ojo Abbey, popularly called “Obesere,” was said to have been abducted by gunmen while returning from Ibilo in Edo State. Residents alleged that the attackers, suspected to be herders, intercepted him along the route and whisked him away.

His disappearance on February 22, 2026, triggered frantic efforts by family members, youths, and local hunters who launched coordinated searches in surrounding bushes after the matter was reported to the police.

Days later, the search ended tragically as his lifeless body was recovered in a forest in Igara, Edo State. Sources involved in the recovery said the remains had already decomposed, suggesting he was killed shortly after the abduction.

Reacting to the incident, the Isua Youth Forum described the killing as another sign of worsening insecurity in the axis. In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Abimbola Oluwafemi, the group called for urgent government intervention.

“We call on Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to take immediate steps to address the rising insecurity in Isua and Akoko South-East at large. We also urge the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation,” the statement read.

The group insisted that all those involved in the crime must be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted, stressing that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said a suspect had been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and killing. He added that the suspect is currently in custody and assisting with investigations.

Jimoh disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered intensified surveillance and strategic deployments across the affected communities and along the Ondo/Edo boundary to forestall further attacks.

The police command commiserated with the family of the deceased and assured residents that all those behind the crime would be brought to justice, urging members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.