GUNMEN ABDUCT LG VICE CHAIRMAN AFTER FIERCE SECURITY RESISTANCE

OSUN UNDER SIEGE: GUNMEN ABDUCT LG VICE CHAIRMAN AFTER FIERCE SECURITY RESISTANCE

Residents of Ora community in Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State have been thrown into fear following the abduction of the council's Vice Chairman, Hon. Debo Farounbi, by armed gunmen during a late-night attack.

The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Tuesday in the border community located along the Osun-Kwara boundary, according to local residents and security sources.

Witnesses said the attackers stormed the town and fired several gunshots into the air, creating panic as residents scrambled for safety. During the attack, the gunmen reportedly abducted four people, including Farounbi and two women.

However, a combined response from security personnel and local volunteers reportedly disrupted the operation. Following a fierce exchange of gunfire, the attackers abandoned three of the victims and fled with only the vice chairman.

Residents who spoke on the development said the community remained tense throughout the night as security operatives intensified efforts to locate the abductors and rescue the victim.

A resident, who requested anonymity due to security concerns, said the gunmen initially moved the captives toward a nearby forest before facing resistance from security forces.

“Four people were initially abducted, including the vice chairman. The military's intervention forced the attackers to release three of them, but they escaped with Hon. Debo Farounbi. The entire community is living in fear,” the resident said.

The Osun State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday.

Police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said security agencies, including the military and police, responded immediately after the attack and had launched efforts to secure Farounbi's release.

“One person was abducted. He is the Vice Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area, Hon. Debo Farounbi. Security agencies are working to rescue him. Investigations are ongoing,” Ojelabi stated.

The latest incident has heightened concerns over security challenges facing communities around the Osun-Kwara border.

Residents noted that the attack marks the third major abduction incident recorded in Ora within the past seven months.

In December 2025, a retired Customs officer, Emmanuel Owolabi, was reportedly kidnapped in the community and later released after spending several weeks in captivity. Another abduction incident occurred in February 2026 when suspected armed criminals reportedly kidnapped two residents who were also released after weeks in captivity.

Community leaders have now called on the Federal Government, Osun State Government, and security agencies to strengthen security operations in the area to prevent further attacks.

Speaking on the recurring incidents, some residents expressed concerns that continued insecurity could force more people to leave the community.

A market leader in the town, Mrs. Alarape, said residents were becoming increasingly worried about their safety.

“People are already leaving the town, and more may leave if urgent action is not taken. Most of these attackers are believed to be entering through the boundary areas,” she said.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had continued search-and-rescue operations aimed at securing the safe return of the abducted vice chairman.