By Abigail David
Gunmen have abducted the Vice Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, Debo Farounbi, during an attack on Ora, a border community along the Osun-Kwara boundary.
The incident reportedly occurred around 10 p.m. on Tuesday when the assailants invaded the town, firing gunshots and causing panic among residents.
According to local sources, four people, including Farounbi, were initially abducted. However, a joint response by military personnel and local security volunteers forced the attackers to release three of the captives after a gunfight, while escaping with the local government official.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said security operatives, including the military and police, responded promptly and had launched efforts to rescue the victim.
“One person was abducted. He is the Ifedayo Local Government Vice Chairman, Hon. Debo Farounbi. Efforts are ongoing to secure his release,” Ojelabi said.
The attack is the latest in a series of abductions in Ora. Residents said the community has witnessed at least three similar incidents in the past seven months, raising concerns over worsening insecurity in the area.
Community leaders have called for increased security presence, warning that repeated attacks could force more residents to flee the town.
