Police in Ondo State have arrested a suspect in connection with the killing of a youth leader in Isua Akoko, located in Akoko South East Local Government Area.
The victim, Ojo Abbey, widely known in the community as Obesere, was reportedly abducted by armed men while returning to Isua Akoko from neighbouring Edo State.
According to residents, the attackers kidnapped the youth leader on February 22, 2026, before taking him into a forested area.
After several days of searching, his decomposing body was eventually discovered in a forest near Igara in Edo State.
Community members said the incident triggered a massive search effort led by local youths and hunters who combed nearby bushes in an attempt to rescue the abducted leader.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the arrest of one suspect linked to the killing.
Police spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh stated that the suspect is currently in custody and assisting investigators as authorities work to identify and apprehend other suspects involved in the crime.
He added that the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered increased security surveillance and tactical deployments across the Ondo–Edo border area to prevent further attacks.
Police also recovered the victim’s vehicle, a Nissan Almera with registration number KJA 440 DB, which was found shortly after the abduction and secured at the police station.
Authorities expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and assured the public that those responsible for the killing will face justice.
Meanwhile, the Isua Youth Forum described the murder as a sign of growing insecurity in the Akoko South East region.
In a statement released by the group’s National President, Abimbola Oluwafemi, the forum called on Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and security agencies to urgently address the rising security challenges in the area.
The group demanded a thorough investigation, insisting that every individual involved in the killing must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted to restore public confidence and ensure justice for the slain youth leader.
