The victim, Ojo Abbey, popularly known as Obesere, was reportedly abducted by gunmen while returning to his community from Edo State
The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a suspect in connection with the killing of a youth leader in Isua Akoko, the headquarters of Akoko South East Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The victim, Ojo Abbey, popularly known as Obesere, was reportedly abducted by gunmen while returning to his community from Edo State.
Community sources said he was kidnapped on February 22, 2026, and taken to an unknown location in a forest. His decomposing body was later found on Saturday in a forest in Igara, Edo State.
A resident, identified simply as Tunji, said the abduction was reported to the police shortly after it occurred.
He added that local youths, working with hunters, organized search teams and combed nearby bushes in an attempt to rescue him.
In a statement, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that one suspect had been arrested and was assisting with the investigation.
He also said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, had ordered increased surveillance and strategic security deployments in the affected area and along the Ondo–Edo boundary to prevent further attacks and track down other members of the gang.
According to Jimoh, the case was reported at the Isua Divisional Police Headquarters at about 7:45 p.m. on February 22, 2026.
A resident had informed the police that Ojo Abbey was allegedly abducted by armed men suspected to be herdsmen while returning from Ibilo in Edo State.
He said the Divisional Police Officer immediately deployed patrol teams to the scene, and the victim’s vehicle, a Nissan Almera with registration number KJA 440 DB, was recovered and taken to the station.
The police command expressed condolences to the victim’s family and assured the public that those responsible would be brought to justice.
Meanwhile, the Isua Youth Forum condemned the killing, describing it as a sign of worsening insecurity in the area.
In a statement issued by its National President, Abimbola Oluwafemi, the group called on Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently address the situation.
The group urged the governor, the Commissioner of Police, and other security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation, ensure that all those involved are identified and arrested, and make sure justice is served.
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