Gunmen on Tuesday night abducted the Vice Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, Hon. Debo Farounbi, during an attack on Ora, a border community located along the Osun-Kwara boundary.
The attackers, who reportedly stormed the community at about 10 p.m., fired several gunshots into the air, creating panic among residents before whisking away their victims.
Sources in the community said four persons, including Farounbi, were initially abducted during the attack. However, a swift response by security operatives and local vigilante volunteers reportedly forced the gunmen to abandon three of the victims while fleeing into a nearby forest.
Farounbi was said to have been taken away by the attackers after a fierce exchange of gunfire with security personnel.
A resident of the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said the incident threw the town into confusion and left many residents fearful throughout the night.
“The gunmen invaded the town and began shooting sporadically before targeting their victims. Four people were initially abducted, including two women and two men. The intervention of soldiers and local volunteers forced the attackers to release three of them, but they escaped with the vice chairman,” the resident said.
He added that residents remained on edge following the incident, noting that the community has witnessed a series of abductions in recent months.
Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Police Command, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, said security agencies had launched efforts to secure the release of the council official.
“One person was abducted, and he is the Vice Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government, Hon. Debo Farounbi. Immediately the incident occurred, the police, military and other security agencies responded. Efforts are ongoing to rescue him,” Ojelabi said.
The police spokesperson added that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
The latest attack has renewed concerns over security in Ora and surrounding communities along the Osun-Kwara boundary, which have experienced a number of kidnapping incidents in recent months.
In December 2025, a retired Customs officer, Emmanuel Owolabi, was abducted in Ora by suspected kidnappers. He regained his freedom after spending several weeks in captivity.
Similarly, in February this year, armed men reportedly invaded the community and abducted two residents, who were later released after weeks in captivity.
Residents have called for increased security presence and sustained surveillance in the area to curb the growing threat of kidnapping and other criminal activities along the border communities.
