The Ondo State Police Command on Sunday confirmed the arrest of one suspect in connection with the killing of a youth leader in Isua Akoko, headquarters of Akoko South East Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The victim, Ojo Abbey, popularly known as Obesere, was allegedly abducted by gunmen while returning to the community from Edo State.
Sources in the community said the assailants kidnapped him on February 22, 2026, and took him to an unknown location in a forest. His decomposing body was later discovered in a forest in Igara, Edo State, on Saturday.
A resident, identified simply as Tunji, said the incident was reported to the police shortly after the abduction. He added that community youths, in collaboration with local hunters, organised search parties and combed the surrounding bushes in an effort to rescue the victim.
Confirming the development in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abayomi Jimoh, said one suspect had been arrested and was assisting investigators.
He also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, had ordered intensified surveillance and strategic deployments across the affected area and along the Ondo–Edo boundary to forestall further attacks and apprehend fleeing members of the gang.
“The incident was reported at Isua Division at about 1945hrs on February 22, 2026, by a resident who stated that one Ojo Abbey was allegedly abducted by armed men suspected to be herdsmen while returning from Ibilo, Edo State,” Jimoh said.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised patrol teams to the scene. The victim’s vehicle, a Nissan Almera with registration number KJA 440 DB, was recovered and secured at the station.
“The command commiserates with the family of the deceased and assures the public that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be brought to justice.”
Meanwhile, the Isua Youth Forum condemned the killing, describing it as a reflection of the worsening insecurity in the area.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its National President, Comrade Abimbola Oluwafemi, the group called on the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to urgently intervene.
“We call on the Governor of Ondo State for immediate intervention on this matter and the rising insecurity in Isua and Akoko South-East at large. We also urge the Commissioner of Police and all relevant security agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and uncompromising investigation into this case.
“Every individual involved in this heinous crime must be identified, apprehended, and brought to book. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. The people of Isua and our local government area demand decisive action,” the statement read.
