Gunmen abduct couple, shoot one in Ondo

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Friday night stormed Olaribigba Estate in Ilu Abo community in Akure Local Government Area of Ondo State, abducting a couple, Jamiu Olawale and his wife, while a neighbour, identified as Patrick Ilumaro, was shot during the attack.

The gunmen, numbering about six, invaded the community around 9:45 p.m., attacking the couple as they arrived at their residence in a Toyota Camry and whisking them away to an unknown location.

It was gathered that the armed men had laid an ambush for the couple for some time and struck immediately upon their arrival.

A source explained that when the couple attempted to raise the alarm, the hoodlums started shooting sporadically into the air to avoid apprehension, hitting their neighbour, Patrick Ilumaro, who was sitting in front of his house.

“He was subsequently rushed to the hospital for treatment and is currently responding to care,” the source added.

The incident created tension in the agrarian community, with residents protesting and barricading the road leading into the estate.

The protesting residents decried the incessant abductions and killings in the area, calling on the state government and security agencies to find a lasting solution. They lamented that kidnappers have targeted residents over the past year, with victims paying millions of naira, while many have lost their lives.

Reacting to the abduction, the State Police Command confirmed the incident at Olaribigba Estate, Ilu Abo, assuring residents that security agencies are intensifying efforts to secure the couple’s safe return.

According to the Command, at about 9:45 p.m. on February 20, 2026, information was received regarding the abduction of Mr. Jamiu Olawale and his wife.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi, explained that the couple had just returned home from their shop in an ash-coloured Toyota Camry when they were attacked at the frontage of their residence by unknown gunmen who reportedly emerged from the surrounding bush.

“The assailants forcefully abducted the couple and whisked them away to an unknown destination before help could reach the scene. During the incident, a neighbour, Mr. Patrick Ilumaro, who was seated in front of his residence, sustained a gunshot wound. He was immediately rushed to hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment and responding to care,” Abayomi said.

He added that the state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, swiftly mobilised security assets to the area.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately deployed tactical teams alongside conventional operatives to comb the surrounding bushes and adjoining areas with a view to rescuing the victims unharmed and apprehending the perpetrators,” the statement read.

Reassuring residents, the Command said, “Concerted efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons and to bring those responsible for this criminal act to justice.”

The Command further urged members of the public to remain calm and support the investigation. “We appeal to residents to remain calm and go about their lawful activities. The Command also calls on members of the public to provide credible and actionable information that may assist ongoing operations at the nearest police station,” the statement added.