Gunmen Abduct Osun LG Vice Chairman After Fierce Gun Battle With Security Operatives

Gunmen Abduct Osun LG Vice Chairman After Fierce Gun Battle With Security Operatives

June 10, 2026

Residents of Ora, a boundary community between Osun and Kwara states, were thrown into fear and confusion on Tuesday night after heavily armed gunmen stormed the town and abducted the Vice Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, Hon. Debo Farounbi.

The daring attack, which occurred at about 10:00 p.m., reportedly saw the assailants invade the community and open fire indiscriminately, sending residents scrambling for safety as panic spread across the area.

According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers initially abducted four individuals, including Farounbi and two Fulani women. However, a swift response by security operatives and local vigilantes stationed in the community led to a fierce gun battle that forced the kidnappers to abandon three of their captives.

Despite the resistance, the gunmen reportedly escaped with Farounbi after exchanging gunfire with security personnel.

Speaking on the incident, a resident who requested anonymity for security reasons disclosed that the attackers appeared to have come prepared and targeted the community under the cover of darkness.

"The gunmen came shooting into the air and created panic everywhere. They abducted four people, including the vice chairman. The military and local volunteers fought back strongly, and the kidnappers abandoned three of the victims. Unfortunately, they succeeded in taking Hon. Debo Farounbi away," the resident said.

He added that the abductors had already moved their victims toward the bush before security operatives launched efforts to intercept them.

"Our people did not sleep throughout the night. Everyone is living in fear. The entire community is worried because this is becoming too frequent," he lamented.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said security agencies immediately mobilised to the area following reports of the attack.

"One person was abducted, and he is the Vice Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area, Hon. Debo Farounbi. Immediately the incident occurred, personnel of the military, police and other security agencies responded. Efforts are ongoing to rescue him," Ojelabi stated.

The police spokesman further noted that investigations were underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the attack.

The latest abduction has heightened concerns among residents of Ora, as it marks the third reported kidnapping incident in the community within the last seven months, raising fresh questions about the security situation along the Osun-Kwara border corridor.

Community leaders and residents have expressed frustration over the recurring attacks, urging both state and federal authorities to strengthen security presence in the area before the situation worsens.

A community leader identified simply as Thomas described the trend as alarming, warning that continued insecurity could have devastating consequences for the town's economy and population.

Similarly, a market leader, Mrs. Alarape, revealed that many residents have already begun relocating due to fears for their safety.

"People are leaving the town because they no longer feel safe. More families may leave unless urgent measures are taken. These criminals often come through the boundary routes linking us with Kwara State. We need more security personnel and stronger protection," she said.

The abduction of a high-ranking local government official has further intensified concerns over the growing threat of kidnapping and violent crimes in border communities across the country, with residents now calling for decisive action to prevent further attacks and restore confidence in the area's security.

As security agencies continue search-and-rescue operations, residents remain hopeful that Hon. Debo Farounbi will be rescued unharmed and that authorities will take concrete steps to address the recurring security challenges facing the community.