Panic engulfed residents of Ora Igbomina in Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State on Monday night as armed bandits stormed the ancient town, killing the leader of non-indigenes and abducting a former customs officer, Mr Emmanuel Owolabi, from his home.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers, armed with superior weapons, fired indiscriminately and seized control of the community, which shares borders with Kwara and Ekiti states. The invasion reportedly lasted several hours, forcing hundreds of residents to flee for safety.

According to locals, the attack occurred in Akisa and other parts of the town, leaving residents shaken and discussing the incident in hushed tones. Efforts by local security guards and community vigilantes to repel the bandits proved futile due to the attackers’ firepower.

High Chief Isaac Fadipe, Inurin of Ora Igbomina land, confirmed the attack and said Amotekun Corps operatives, local hunters, and vigilantes were combing nearby bushes in a bid to track the gunmen and secure the release of the kidnapped former customs officer.

Chief Fadipe appealed to security agencies and Governor Ademola Adeleke to act swiftly to rescue the victim and reinforce security in the town. “We are living in perpetual fear. The government must act urgently to protect lives,” he said.

The Osun State Police Command confirmed the deployment of additional personnel to the area. Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Abiodun Ojelabi, said operatives and volunteers immediately pursued the attackers.

“One person was shot and killed, but the incident occurred outside Osun, within Kwara State,” Ojelabi added.