Ondo council boss abducted by armed gunmen on his farm near Akure Airport; security forces launch manhunt for kidnappers

Gunmen have abducted Joseph Aladesuyi, Secretary of Okeluju Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Akoko North West, Ondo State, along with two others on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The incident occurred on Aladesuyi’s farm in Kajola, Ilu-Abo, less than five kilometres from Akure Airport.

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Sources said about ten heavily armed men stormed the farm around 10:00am, firing sporadically into the air and overwhelming the victims before fleeing into nearby forested areas with the council boss and two others.

A family source revealed that Aladesuyi had arrived at the farm around 9:00am with his daughter when the gunmen attacked.

The source added that Aladesuyi was shot in the hand during a struggle and then forcibly taken, while his daughter was left unharmed.

As of press time, the kidnappers had not made contact with the family regarding ransom demands. Panic reportedly spread throughout the community, prompting parents to withdraw children from schools nearby.

Security agencies, including the police, Amotekun corps, and local vigilante groups, have launched a manhunt, combing the dense forests surrounding the area for the gunmen.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, speaking previously, highlighted that bandits and terrorists had not operated openly in the state since the 2022 Owo massacre, though local communities remain on alert.

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The abduction has intensified security concerns in Akure North Local Government Area, which has faced sporadic incidents of killings and kidnappings in recent months. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant while investigations continue.