The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a suspect in connection with the abduction and killing of a youth leader in Isua Akoko, the administrative headquarters of Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The deceased, Ojo Abbey, popularly known as Obesere, was reportedly seized by gunmen on February 22, 2026, while returning to his community from Edo State.
Residents disclosed that the attackers whisked him away to a forest location after intercepting him. Despite frantic efforts to secure his release, his lifeless body was later discovered.
A community member, who identified himself simply as Tunji, said the incident was promptly reported to the police.
He added that local youths, working alongside hunters, launched a search operation across nearby bushes in a desperate attempt to rescue the victim.
The decomposing remains of Abbey were eventually found in a forest in Igara, Edo State, on Saturday, several days after his disappearance.
Confirming the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said one suspect had been apprehended and was assisting investigators.
Jimoh explained that the case was initially reported at the Isua Divisional Police Headquarters at about 7:45 p.m. on February 22 by a resident who raised the alarm over the alleged abduction.
According to him, the Divisional Police Officer swiftly deployed patrol teams to the area.
The victim’s vehicle, a Nissan Almera with registration number KJA 440 DB, was recovered and taken into police custody.
He added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, had directed increased surveillance and strategic security deployments within the community and along the Ondo–Edo boundary to forestall further attacks and facilitate the arrest of other fleeing suspects.
“The command commiserates with the family of the deceased and assures residents that all those involved in this heinous act will be tracked down and brought to justice,” the police spokesman stated.
Meanwhile, the Isua Youth Forum condemned the killing, describing it as another disturbing sign of worsening insecurity in the area.
In a statement issued by its National President, Abimbola Oluwafemi, the group urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take urgent steps to address the security challenges confronting the community and Akoko South-East at large.
The forum also called on security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation, insisting that all perpetrators must be identified, apprehended and prosecuted.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. The people of Isua and the entire local government demand decisive action,” the statement read.