Akure NigSuspected gunmen have abducted two residents and injured another during a violent attack in a farming community in Ondo State, sources within the community and local authorities say. The incident has sparked fear and heightened security concern among residents of the affected area.

The attack occurred late Sunday evening in Ifon‑Odigbo, a community in Odigbo Local Government Area, when the gunmen reportedly stormed the village on motorcycles opening fire and overpowering locals before whisking away two victims. One other person was shot and rushed to a nearby hospital where they are receiving treatment.

Eyewitnesses told reporters that the gunmen arrived around 9:00 p.m., blockading access roads and firing sporadically to create panic among villagers. Residents who tried to flee described scenes of confusion as families struggled to secure their homes and protect loved ones.

A community leader said the abducted victims include a male trader and a female farmer, both of whom were taken into the bush by the assailants. The injured victim was shot in the leg and was stabilised by medical staff at St. David’s Hospital, Ifon‑Odigbo where they are being treated under police guard.

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the attack and said patrol teams have been dispatched to the area to pursue the gunmen and rescue the kidnapped victims. Commissioner of Police Abiodun Bawa urged residents to remain calm and provide any information that might assist the ongoing security operation.

This latest incident adds to a growing pattern of kidnappings and violent raids in parts of southwestern Nigeria where armed groups have increasingly targeted rural and semi‑urban communities, demanding ransoms and creating widespread insecurity. Security analysts say the attacks often occur in remote areas with limited night patrols making it easier for assailants to escape.

Local vigilante groups have also mobilised to support efforts by official security forces but residents continue to call for enhanced deployment and better intelligence to curb the violence. Families of the abducted persons are reported to be distraught and pleading for swift action to ensure the safe return of their loved ones.