Armed gunmen have abducted a Fulani herdsman, Yahaya Sulaiman, in a brazen and targeted operation in the Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, sparking fresh security concerns in the Southwest region.
The incident occurred around 9:00 pm on Monday, May 4, 2026, along the Iloko/Ijebu-Jesa Road. According to credible sources, the kidnappers demonstrated clear prior intelligence by approaching a local resident to inquire specifically about Sulaiman’s whereabouts before identifying and abducting him. The victim, described as a prominent figure among Fulani herders in the community, was whisked away to an unknown location.
The abductors have since established contact with the victim’s family, demanding a hefty ransom of N70 million for his safe release. As of the latest information, negotiations or payment status remain unclear, and the family has not yet formally engaged the police anti-kidnapping unit.
The Osun State Police Command promptly confirmed the abduction. Public Relations Officer DSP Abiodun Ojelabi stated: “Yahaya Sulaiman, a Fulani herder, is the victim. The incident was reported and police moved to the scene immediately. From all indications, he was targeted.” Ojelabi added that the gunmen had enquired about the victim from a resident, underscoring the deliberate nature of the attack. Investigations are ongoing, with security operatives actively combing the area for leads.
Residents of Ijebu-Jesa and neighbouring communities have expressed alarm over the incident, noting that the area was previously considered relatively peaceful. The targeted abduction of a herdsman has triggered discussions about possible motives, including ransom-driven crime and potential ethnic or resource tensions common in herder-farmer dynamics across Nigeria.
This development adds to broader worries about the creeping insecurity in parts of the Southwest, even as Osun State has historically recorded fewer cases compared to northern regions. No group has claimed responsibility, and there are no reports of harm to the victim so far.
As of May 8, 2026, Yahaya Sulaiman remains in captivity. Police have appealed for public assistance and are intensifying rescue efforts.
