The Vice Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, Debo Farounbi, has been abducted by gunmen following an attack on Ora community, a border town along the Osun-Kwara boundary.

The incident was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, who disclosed that Farounbi was abducted and that security operatives had launched efforts to rescue him.

According to information gathered by residents, the attackers invaded the community at about 10 p.m, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.

Residents alleged that four people were initially abducted by the gunmen, including Farounbi. However, local volunteers and security personnel reportedly engaged the attackers, forcing them to abandon three of the victims.

A resident, who spoke, said the gunmen eventually escaped with the local government vice chairman.

“Four people, including the Ifedayo Local Government Vice Chairman, were taken away. But the resistance from security personnel forced them to abandon three of the victims. They went away with Farounbi,” the source said.

Confirming the incident, Ojelabi said security operatives responded immediately after receiving information about the attack.

“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,” Ojelabi said.

The police spokesperson added that investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The latest attack is reported to be the third abduction-related incident recorded in the community within the last seven months.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has asked residents to come out and challenge him if their properly were destroyed without compensation.

Wike made issued the challenge on Wednesday during the commissioning of Arterial Road.

According to him, the current administration of President Bola Tinubu will not fall for any blackmail.

“So, if you say you have property and it was demolished and you were not paid, come and say so. I challenge anybody.

“If you want any help from me that you think we should do, come properly I will do it for you. But if it is by carrying blackmail, no way, it does not work.

“This government cannot fall for any blackmail. We must stand firm, and we are firm to do what we think is right,” he said.