Gunmen attack Osun–Kwara boundary community, killing a village head and abducting a retired Customs officer, police launch search operation

A community on the Osun–Kwara boundary, Ora, was thrown into panic on Monday after suspected gunmen killed a village head and abducted a retired Customs officer.

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The deceased, identified simply as Dennis, was shot while returning from his farm.

The abducted victim, Emmanuel Owolabi, a retired Customs officer, was taken by the assailants into the bush.

Residents said the abduction caused widespread fear, with villagers fleeing in multiple directions as the gunmen escaped.

Owolabi’s wife, Titilayo, said Metro that the attack occurred in front of their home on Akisa Road around 6:50pm.

She recounted that after returning from her shop and preparing dinner, she heard gunshots and her husband’s voice outside the compound.

“I initially thought the shots were from hunters, but they became sporadic. Later, I saw one of the gunmen jump over the fence. He beat me while asking for money, and then I heard my husband being taken on a motorcycle towards the bush,” she said.

Anonymous sources in the community confirmed that the attackers shot dead Dennis while fleeing the area.

The Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident and said additional personnel had been deployed to comb the bush in the area.

“Immediately after the incident, police operatives and volunteers pursued the gunmen. We are working hard to rescue the victim. One person was shot, but the killing occurred across the boundary in Kwara State,” he stated.

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Authorities continue to investigate the attack while appealing to anyone with information to assist in locating the abducted officer.