Police Arrest Suspect After ‘Obesere’ Is Kidnapped, Killed, Body Found In Edo Forest

By: Sunday Ameh

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 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 reportedly abducted by gunmen while returning to his community from Edo State.

Community sources told Starnews NG that the incident occurred on February 22, 2026, when the assailants intercepted and kidnapped him, taking him to an unknown location within a forest area.

Residents said local youths, alongside hunters, launched search operations after the incident was reported to security authorities in a bid to rescue the victim.

The decomposing body of the deceased was later discovered in a forest in Igara, Edo State, on Saturday, several days after his abduction.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said one suspect had been arrested and is currently assisting investigators.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered intensified surveillance and strategic security deployments across affected communities and along the Ondo–Edo boundary to prevent further attacks and apprehend other fleeing suspects.

“The incident was reported at Isua Division at about 7:45pm 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,” the police statement read.

Police added that the victim’s vehicle, a Nissan Almera with registration number KJA 440 DB, was recovered and secured at the station shortly after the report.

The command expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and assured the public that those responsible for the crime would be brought to justice.

Meanwhile, the Isua Youth Forum, in a statement signed by its National President, Abimbola Oluwafemi, described the killing as evidence of worsening insecurity in the area and called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene.

The group urged security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation, stressing that all perpetrators must be identified and prosecuted.
“We demand decisive action. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” the statement added.