Gunmen kidnapped and k!lled a popular youth leader in Isua Akoko community, headquarters of Akoko South East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The victim identified as Ojo Gbara, known as ‘Obesere, was kidnapped a few days ago on his way home from Edo State.

His decomposing body was discovered in the forest of Igara, Edo State by the rescue team comprising security operatives, local hunters and youths of the community.

The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, who confirmed the incident said a suspect had been arrested in connection with the abduction and k!lling of the victim.

According to the PPRO, a resident, one Ojo Abbey, said the victim was abducted by armed herders while returning from Ibilo, Edo State.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised patrol teams to the scene. The victim’s vehicle, an Almera car with registration number KJA 440 DB, was recovered and secured at the station,” Jimoh added.

The National President, Isua Youth Forum, Comrade Abimbola Oluwafemi, confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

“The Isua Youth Forum strongly and unequivocally condemns the alarming rise in kidnapping activities ravaging the Isua axis , Akoko south east L.G area of Ondo state and its environs,” the statement read

“Our community, once known for peace and hospitality, is now under constant threat from criminal elements who have chosen to terrorize innocent and hardworking citizens.

“Most painful and heartbreaking is the recent ETIOSE – ISUA abduction and gruesome murder of our brother, Mr. Obesere, popularly known as Obey whose abduction was reported on 22nd, February 2026 to Isua Divisional police Headquarters.

“After several efforts to get him released unhurt, tragically found his lifeless body dumped and murdered in a deep forest somewhere in Edo state. With deep pains the lifeless body was recovered back to Isua today.

“His tragic death has further exposed the dangerous level of insecurity confronting our people. We can no longer remain silent while our land is turned into a playground for kidnappers and murderers.

“We are deeply disturbed by the increasing boldness of these criminals. The people of ISUA and environ deserve to live, travel, and conduct their daily activities without fear of being kidnapped or k!lled. Enough is enough.

“We have been reliably informed that one of the suspects connected to the kidnapping and murder of Mr. Obesere was apprehended in Edo State.

“While this development gives some hope, it is not enough. We use this medium to call on our dear Governor of Ondo state, H.E Gov lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for immediate intervention on this subject matter and to the general rising insecurity in Isua environment and Akoko south east at Large ,the Executive chairman AKOKO SOUTH EAST Local govt, Engr Jude Omolehin AYEGBO, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State 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 are watching, and we demand decisive action.

“Furthermore, we call for immediate and coordinated security operations to sweep away all kidnapping syndicates operating within the Isua axis and surrounding areas.

“Our forests, roads, and communities must be thoroughly combed and secured. We cannot afford to lose another life to this senseless violence.

“The Isua Youth Forum stands ready to collaborate with security agencies and community stakeholders in lawful ways to restore peace and safety to our land.

“We also urge residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the appropriate authorities. We will not relent in speaking up until our community is safe again.”