Police, army leaders visit Falae after gunmen’s strike in his community

The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State Police Command, CP Adebowale Lawal; and Commander of the 32 Brigade Artillery of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Justin Ifeanyi, have visited former Secretary to the Federal Government, Oba Olu Falae.

The visit was prompted by an attack on Iluabo community in Ondo State, where Oba Falae reigns.

Gunmen were said to have raided the town, but police command says security agencies have intensified efforts to arrest the perpetrators and rescue an abducted resident.

The Ondo State Police Command said the incident occurred on Sunday around 8pm in Iluabo, near Akure, the state capital, when gunmen opened fire on a resident, John Ofuduwa, as he drove into his home.

He reportedly sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment.

During the attack, a female resident, Oladeinde Tomilola, was abducted by the gunmen.

Two other people, a woman identified as Victoria Olorunfemi and her 11-year-old daughter, were also injured by the gunmen.

CP Lawal visited the scene on Monday to assess the situation and engage with residents.

He condemned the attack and said security had been reinforced through additional patrols, intelligence-led operations and tactical deployments aimed at preventing further incidents and ensuring the arrest of those responsible.

After the assessment, Lawal paid a visit to Falae, the Oluabo of Iluabo, at his palace.

The monarch condemned the attack and pledged the full cooperation of the community with security agencies, including the mobilisation of local vigilante groups to support ongoing operations.

The Commander of the 32 Brigade Artillery of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ifeanyi, accompanied the police commissioner during the visit.

He assured residents that the army would provide all necessary support to help track down the attackers and secure the release of the abducted victim.

Police said investigations were ongoing in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services and other security agencies.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security forces.

Oba Falae, a former minister and onetime presidential candidate, has previously been a victim of violent crime in Ondo State, having been kidnapped by armed men in 2015, an incident that drew national attention to insecurity in the state.