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Fear enveloped the Ilu Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State after gunmen abducted a woman, identified as Tomiola Oladehinde.
The incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026, when six armed men reportedly ambushed the victim at the entrance of her residence on Liberty Avenue. Investigations revealed that the attackers had been trailing John Ofuduwa, a businessman, to the community before abducting Oladehinde as part of their escape plan.
Ofuduwa, an iron rod dealer from Oba-Ile community, a neighboring settlement to Ilu Abo, was shot in the head after being ambushed while attempting to enter his compound.
During the attack, two other individuals—a woman named Victoria and her 11-year-old daughter—were also struck by bullets fired by the assailants. Sources in the community indicated that the gunmen were not kidnappers but were allegedly hired to assassinate the businessman, making the other victims, including Oladehinde, casualties of circumstance.
One resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
“John was the one the gunmen traced to Ilu-Abo. He was about to enter his gate when we suddenly heard multiple gunshots. At that point, we had to run for our lives. When the attackers left, we realized John had been shot in the head, with blood gushing out. A woman trying to enter her compound was kidnapped, and another woman and her daughter were also hit. We believe the woman was abducted to aid the gunmen’s escape from the community. They have not contacted anyone regarding her whereabouts since Sunday night. John was rushed to FMC, Owo, but later referred to Ado-Ekiti. We are praying for his recovery.”
The attack sparked outrage in the community, prompting residents to stage a protest on Monday by barricading the busy Akure–Owo highway. The demonstration highlighted rising insecurity in the area and caused heavy traffic congestion for several hours, forcing motorists to use alternative bush routes.
Armed with placards reading “We Seek Governor’s Intervention” and “We Say No to Banditry,” the protesters called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene urgently and restore security in the community.
