Ondo Insecurity Alert: Gunmen Storm Estate, Abduct Couple and Shoot Neighbor in Akure

 

​The peaceful atmosphere of the Iluabo community in the Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State was shattered on Friday night, February 20, 2026, as suspected kidnappers launched a violent raid. In an operation that has left residents in a state of panic, the gunmen successfully abducted a couple, Mr. Jamiu Olawale and his wife, from their residence in the Olaribigba Estate. The audacity of the attack, which occurred at approximately 9:45 p.m., has once again brought the conversation regarding insecurity in Ondo State to the forefront.

​The Ambush: How the Couple was Seized

​According to eyewitness reports and community sources, the victims were targeted just as they arrived home in their ash-colored Toyota Camry. The gunmen, who had reportedly been lying in ambush within the vicinity of the estate, struck as the couple was disembarking from their vehicle.

​The assailants, whose numbers were not specified but were described as heavily armed, whisked the couple away into the nearby forest before the community could mobilize a response. The suddenness of the attack left neighbors stunned, but the violence did not end with the abduction.

​The Shooting: Neighbor Injured While Attempting to Flee

​During the chaotic scenes that followed the abduction, a neighbor identified as Patrick Ilumaro was caught in the crossfire. Mr. Ilumaro was reportedly sitting in front of his own residence when the fleeing gunmen opened fire to clear their escape route.

​He sustained gunshot wounds and was immediately rushed to an undisclosed medical facility in Akure for emergency treatment. While his current condition remains critical, his injury has added a layer of tragedy to an already traumatic night for the Olaribigba Estate residents.

​Protests and Roadblocks: Residents Demand Security

​By Saturday morning, the Iluabo community was in an uproar. Frustrated by what they described as "incessant kidnappings" and a deteriorating security situation in the agrarian Akure North axis, residents took to the streets. The protesters barricaded major access roads leading to the community, calling on the state government and security agencies to do more than just "release statements."

​"We are no longer safe in our own homes," one protester lamented. "This estate was supposed to be a sanctuary, but now we are being picked up like chickens."

​Ondo State Police Response

​Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command stated that tactical teams and conventional operatives have been mobilized to the area. In a press release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, the command assured the public that they are leaving no stone unturned.

​"Our operatives are currently combing the forest and surrounding axes in an effort to rescue the victims unharmed and apprehend the perpetrators. We urge members of the public to remain calm and provide any useful information that could lead to the rescue of the couple," the statement read.

​The Growing Trend of Insecurity in Akure North

​This latest abduction follows a worrying pattern of violence in the Akure North Local Government Area. Just days prior, reports emerged of an attack on a traditional ruler's palace in a neighboring community, suggesting that criminal elements are becoming increasingly bold in their operations.

​The proximity of these communities to thick forest reserves has often been cited as a challenge for security forces, as kidnappers use the terrain to hide their victims while negotiating ransoms.

​Conclusion

​The abduction of Mr. and Mrs. Olawale and the shooting of Patrick Ilumaro serve as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by residents in suburban estates. As the search for the couple continues, the eyes of the nation are on the Ondo State Government and the Amotekun Corps to see if they can restore a sense of safety to the Akure North axis.