Gunmen have kidnapped the Vice Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, Mr Debo Farounbi, during a late-night attack on Ora, a boundary community along the Osun–Kwara border.
Farounbi was abducted around 10 pm on Tuesday when armed attackers invaded the community, firing sporadically and throwing residents into panic.
Three other residents, who were initially seized alongside him, were later freed after security operatives and local volunteers reportedly engaged the gunmen in a gunfight.
A source in the community said the attackers initially whisked away four people, including two Fulani women and two men, but abandoned three of the victims following resistance from military personnel stationed in the area. However, Farounbi was taken away into the bush.
“The attackers shot sporadically and moved the abducted victims towards the bush. But due to resistance, they had to release three people. They went away with the vice chairman,” the resident said on condition of anonymity.
Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said security operatives responded immediately.
“One person was abducted. He is the Vice Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government, Hon. Debo Farounbi. The military, police and others responded immediately. Efforts are ongoing to rescue him,” he said.
He added that the case is still being treated as an abduction until further verification.
