Six armed men invaded Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Sunday night, abducting a woman and shooting three other residents, including an 11-year-old child.
The victim, identified as Tomilola Oladehinde, was reportedly seized around 8:00 p.m. at the entrance of her residence on Liberty Avenue. Witnesses said the attackers had followed a businessman, John Ofuduwa, to the area and used the abduction to facilitate their escape.
Ofuduwa, who trades in iron rods at Oba-Ile, a neighbouring community, was ambushed as he attempted to enter his compound and was shot in the head. During the incident, another woman, identified as Victoria, and her young daughter were also struck by stray bullets while passing through the area.
Residents believe the attackers were originally targeting the businessman, possibly for assassination, while the kidnapped woman and other victims were caught in the crossfire. A community source explained that the gunmen fled shortly after the shooting, and no contact has been made regarding the abducted woman’s whereabouts.
The injured businessman was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo before being referred to a hospital in Ado-Ekiti for further treatment.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, visited the scene and assured residents that security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services, are working together to rescue the abducted woman and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
