AKURE — Panic gripped Ilu-Abo, an agrarian community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, as gunmen abducted a school proprietress, Mrs. Oladeinde Tomilola, and shot three people, including a businessman, during a violent attack on Sunday night.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. at Liberty Avenue, when the assailants reportedly ambushed their main target, John Ofuduwa, a businessman. Witnesses said the gunmen shot him in the head while he was driving into his residence in a Toyota Camry (registration number GWA 674 CM, Abuja).
Unable to take the wounded businessman, the attackers allegedly abducted Mrs. Tomilola, who was a neighbour and had just arrived home. Two passersby — Mrs. Victoria Olorunfemi and her 11-year-old daughter, Victoria — were also caught in the crossfire and sustained gunshot injuries.
Following the attack, angry residents took to the streets on Monday morning, blocking the Akure–Owo highway to protest the growing insecurity in the community. The demonstration halted vehicular movement for hours, leaving hundreds of commuters and motorists stranded.
A resident, Ayodele Salako, said the protest was a desperate call for help, noting that the community has endured repeated abductions and violent attacks in recent months.
“We can no longer sleep with our two eyes closed. Kidnappers now operate freely here. We want the government to act immediately before more lives are lost,” Salako said.
The protesters demanded that the state government and security agencies establish a permanent military checkpoint in the area to deter further criminal activity.
Responding to the incident, the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Justin Ifeanyi, and the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, visited the scene to assess the situation and reassure residents.
Police spokesperson Jimoh Abayomi said in a statement that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the community.
“The Police Command condemns the attack and has reinforced existing security frameworks with additional tactical and intelligence-driven measures to ensure the swift arrest of the perpetrators and the rescue of the victim,” Abayomi said.
During the visit, the delegation also met with Oba Samuel Falae, the Oluabo of Ilu-Abo and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who condemned the attack and pledged the palace’s support for security operations.
Oba Falae promised to mobilize community vigilante groups to assist security agencies in tracking down the kidnappers and maintaining vigilance in the area.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police assured that joint operations involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security outfits were ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted school proprietress and the arrest of those responsible for the attack.
