Residents of Ora, a border community between Osun and Kwara states, have been thrown into fear following the abduction of the vice-chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, Debo Farounbi, by armed men.
The attack occurred around 10 p.m. on Tuesday when gunmen reportedly stormed the community, firing sporadically into the air and causing panic among residents.
According to accounts from locals, the assailants initially abducted four people, including Farounbi, alongside two Fulani women and another male victim. However, a swift response from security personnel and local volunteers stationed in the town reportedly disrupted the operation.
Residents said military personnel engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to abandon three of the captives. The gunmen, however, escaped with Farounbi after the exchange of gunfire.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons said the community endured a night of anxiety following the incident.
“Four people were taken away initially, including the vice chairman. But because of the resistance mounted by the military, the kidnappers abandoned three of them. Unfortunately, they succeeded in escaping with Farounbi. Nobody slept throughout the night because of fear,” the resident said.
The Osun State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday.
Police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said security agencies responded immediately after the attack and had intensified efforts to rescue the abducted official.
“One person was abducted. He is the vice chairman of Ifedayo Local Government, Hon. Debo Farounbi. Immediately the incident occurred, the military, police and other security operatives responded. Efforts are ongoing to rescue him. For now, it remains a case of abduction until investigations establish otherwise,” Ojelabi stated.
The latest incident has heightened concerns among residents of Ora, which has witnessed a series of abductions in recent months.
In December 2025, a retired Customs officer, Emmanuel Owolabi, was kidnapped by suspected bandits in the community. He regained his freedom after spending nearly four weeks in captivity and was reportedly released in a community in Kwara State following the payment of an undisclosed ransom.
Less than two months later, suspected bandits again invaded Ora through the Kwara boundary on February 1, abducting two residents. They were also released after about four weeks in captivity.
With Farounbi’s abduction marking the third such incident in seven months, residents have renewed calls for increased security deployment to protect the community from repeated attacks.
Community leaders expressed fears that the worsening security situation could trigger further displacement of residents.
A community leader identified simply as Thomas said the recurring attacks have created uncertainty and fear among the people.
Similarly, a market leader, Mrs. Alarape, warned that more residents could abandon the town if urgent security measures are not introduced.
“People are already leaving the town, and more may leave unless urgent action is taken to secure us. These attackers are coming through the boundary area with Kwara State,” she said.
Residents are now urging security agencies and government authorities to strengthen surveillance and security operations around the Osun-Kwara border to prevent further attacks and restore confidence in the affected community.
