Some residents of Ilu-Abo and Eleyowo communities in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State are abandoning their homes to escape being kidnapped and killed by bandits who seem to be taking over the communities in a recent wave of abductions. On Sunday, June 7, 2026, a resident of Ilu-Abo, Mr Gbenga Sanni was abducted by gunmen from his residence. Sanni is still in captivity.
On January 26, 2026, John Ofuduwa was kidnapped which led to his death, while a woman, Oladeinde Tomilola was abducted along Liberty Avenue, Ilu-Abo.
On Friday, February 20, 2026, Jamiu Olawale and his wife, who had just returned from their shop, were attacked in front of their residence by some gunmen who emerged from the nearby bush.
Kidnappings and killings in Ilu-Abo and Eleyowo is not an isolated cases, with other communities such as Imafon, Igushin, Ilado and other neighbouring villages facing constant attacks by gunmen. There have been several promises by the state government to address insecurity in the two communities. However, abductions have persisted, and more residents are leaving their homes to escape attacks by bandits.
Ayemafuge learnt that many houses are now under lock and key, with some property owners desperately looking for buyers. “I have not entered my house in the last five days after one of my neighbours, Mr Gbenga Sanni was kidnapped.
“Every night we live in fear, not knowing if the next sound we hear will be the bandits.
“Our people are being kidnapped daily and in most cases killed by bandits without positive efforts from the government,” said one of the residents of Ilu-Abo who pleaded anonymity. Investigation revealed that many residents of the communities have lost their lives, while many others remain in captivity, with ransom demands often running into millions of Naira.
“We have sold our properties just to secure the release of our loved ones. Many of us are now left with nothing. We’re now at the mercy of God,” said another resident. Residents of the two communities appealed to the state government to urgently address the deteriorating security situation in the state
Some residents of Oba-Ile have expressed concern over the situation in the area, describing the abandonment of homes in the affected communities as a sad development. According to them, the state government should ensure sustained security deployments and other measures aimed at restoring confidence among displaced residents and facilitating their return.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration has repeatedly assured residents that restoring safety in vulnerable communities remains a priority, particularly in areas bordering forest corridors that have witnessed criminal activities.
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