Gunmen Kidnap Osun LG Vice Chairman Debo Farounbi

Gunmen have abducted the Vice Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area in Osun State, Debo Farounbi, during an attack on Ora, a community located along the Osun-Kwara border.

The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Tuesday when the gunmen stormed the town and fired several gunshots into the air, creating fear and confusion among residents.

Sources said four people, including Farounbi, were initially taken by the attackers, but security personnel and local volunteers stationed in the community confronted the gunmen, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

The resistance reportedly forced the attackers to release three of the captives, while Farounbi was taken away.

Residents who spoke to PUNCH said the gunmen appeared to have targeted specific individuals and fired repeatedly before carrying out the abduction.

One resident, who pleaded for anonymity for security reasons, said the attackers had already moved the victims toward a nearby forest before security forces intervened.

The resident said, “Four people, two Fulani women and two men including the Ifedayo Local Government Vice Chairman, Debo Farounbi were abducted. But the resistance put up by the military made the perpetrators to abandon three people.

“The however went away with Farounbi. Our people did not sleep throughout the night. We are in serious fear. The incident happened around 10pm on Tuesday.”

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said only one person, Farounbi, was still being held.

“One person was abducted. He is a local government Vice Chairman, Hon Debo Farounbi. Immediately the incident happened, the military, police and others responded. Efforts are in place to rescue the man. It is abduction until we are able to prove that it is a case of kidnapping,” Ojelabi said.

KanyiDaily had also reported how Asimiyu Ajibola, the chairman of the Accord Party in Osun, was hospitalized after he was shot by suspected gunmen in Osogbo.