Body of abducted Ondo youth Obesere found in Edo forest
Tension Rises in Ondo State Community After Abduction and Murder of Local Youth
ISUA AKOKO, Ondo State — The agrarian community of Isua Akoko is reeling from the recent abduction and murder of Ojo Gbara, a popular local youth known as “Obesere.” The victim was reportedly kidnapped by gunmen, suspected to be herdsmen, while traveling from Ibilo in Edo State a few days ago.
His decomposed body was discovered in the Igara forest area of Edo State by a rescue team comprising security personnel, local hunters, and community members.
The Isua Youth Forum confirmed the killing in a statement issued by its National President, Comrade Abimbola Oluwafemi, who highlighted the incident as a stark indicator of escalating insecurity in the region. Oluwafemi urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the state Commissioner of Police to intervene immediately, expressing that residents now live in constant fear.
In a response to the incident, Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that a suspect has been apprehended in connection with the kidnapping and murder. This individual is currently in custody and aiding investigators.
The police have increased security measures, with Commissioner Adebowale Lawal ordering heightened surveillance and strategic deployments in the affected areas, especially along the Ondo-Edo border, to prevent further incidents and apprehend additional suspects.
The incident was initially reported to the Isua Division at approximately 7:45 PM on February 22, 2026, by a local resident who indicated that Gbara was allegedly abducted by armed men while returning from Ibilo. Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer dispatched patrol teams to the scene, where Gbara’s vehicle, an Almera with registration number KJA 440 DB, was recovered and secured at the police station.
