Summary: The body of Ojo Gbara ‘Obesere’, a popular youth leader from Isua Akoko in Ondo State, has been found dead in Edo forest days after his abduction by gunmen. Community demands justice and urgent security intervention.
The Isua Akoko community in Ondo State is mourning the gruesome murder of one of their own, as the body of a beloved youth leader was discovered in a forest in Edo State, days after he was kidnapped by armed men.
The victim, identified as Ojo Gbara but popularly known as ‘Obesere’ or ‘Obey’, was abducted while returning home from Ibillo in Edo State. His decomposing remains were found by a combined team of security operatives, local hunters, and community youths in the Igara forest area of Edo State.
Details of the Kidnapping
According to the Ondo State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the incident was reported to the Isua Divisional Police Headquarters on February 22, 2025. A resident, Ojo Abbey, informed the police that armed herders kidnapped Obesere while he was travelling back from Ibillo.
“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,” DSP Jimoh confirmed.
Despite frantic efforts by family members and the community to secure his release, the search ended in tragedy when his lifeless body was discovered and recovered on Saturday, February 28, 2025.
One Suspect Arrested
The police spokesman revealed that one suspect connected to the abduction and murder has been arrested. However, details about the suspect’s identity and the circumstances of the arrest have not been fully disclosed as investigations continue.
Community Outcry and Demands for Justice
In a strongly worded statement, the National President of Isua Youth Forum, Comrade Abimbola Oluwafemi, expressed deep pain and anger over the killing, describing it as a symptom of the deteriorating security situation in the area.
“The Isua Youth Forum strongly and unequivocally condemns the alarming rise in kidnapping activities ravaging the Isua axis, Akoko South East Local Government 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.”
The forum emphasized that the tragic death of Obesere has exposed the dangerous level of insecurity confronting residents of the area, who can no longer travel or go about their daily activities without fear.
Calls for Government Intervention
The youth forum called on Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, the Executive Chairman of Akoko South East Local Government, Engr. Jude Omolehin Ayegbo, the Commissioner of Police, and all relevant security agencies to take immediate and decisive action.
Their demands include:
– A thorough, transparent, and uncompromising investigation into the murder
– Identification and prosecution of all individuals involved in the crime
– Immediate and coordinated security operations to dismantle kidnapping syndicates in the area
– Comprehensive combing of forests, roads, and communities to ensure safety
“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,” Comrade Oluwafemi stated.
A Community in Fear
The Isua Akoko community, located in the headquarters of Akoko South East Local Government Area, has experienced increasing cases of kidnapping in recent times, with criminals taking advantage of the forests and rural roads in the area.
The youth forum urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies while promising to collaborate with authorities in lawful ways to restore peace.
“We will not relent in speaking up until our community is safe again,” the statement concluded.
As the community mourns the loss of Obesere, questions remain about how safe Nigerian rural communities are and what concrete steps government and security agencies will take to protect citizens from the rising wave of kidnappings and violent crimes across the country.
May his soul rest in peace.
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