A fresh wave of violence has hit Ondo State as suspected kidnappers invaded Igushin community in the Ala axis of Akure, the state capital, killing a mother and her daughter in a late-night attack that has thrown residents into fear and mourning.
The incident, which happened on Thursday night, is the latest in a series of attacks targeting rural and semi-urban communities in the state, where gunmen have increasingly carried out kidnappings, killings and robberies in recent months.
Residents said the attackers stormed the community in the night, shooting sporadically as they attempted to abduct people from their homes.
The victims, a woman said to be a poultry farmer and her daughter, were reportedly killed inside their residence during the attack.
According to eyewitness accounts, the initial belief among residents was that the two women had been kidnapped by the armed men. However, the situation later turned tragic when their bodies were discovered.
One resident, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, said the attackers came in large numbers and were heavily armed.
“The kidnappers were about five in number and fully armed,” the source said. “It was the sudden sound of gunshots that alerted everyone that there was trouble.”
He explained that he was speaking with a friend when the attack started, and both of them ran for safety as gunshots echoed across the community.
“At first, we thought the woman and her daughter had been kidnapped,” he said. “But later we heard loud cries. When we rushed there, we saw that they had been shot dead.”
The killing of the mother and daughter has deepened fear in Igushin and nearby communities, where residents say they have been living under constant threat from armed groups.
In recent months, several parts of Ondo State have experienced repeated attacks linked to suspected kidnappers and armed criminals operating in forested and rural areas.
Communities in Akure North and Akure South local government areas have been particularly affected, with reports of abductions along farm roads, highways and isolated settlements.
In response to the growing insecurity, residents have staged protests at different times, calling on the government to increase security presence and protect lives and property.
Many farmers in the affected areas have also abandoned their farms due to fear of being kidnapped or attacked while working.
These groups often use remote forest routes to move between states, making it difficult for security agencies to track them.
Thursday’s attack in Igushin followed a similar pattern, with gunmen reportedly arriving at night, firing shots to scare residents and create panic before attempting to abduct victims.
However, in this case, the operation turned deadly, resulting in the killing of two civilians.
The incident has once again raised questions about the safety of rural communities in the state, especially those far from major security bases.
In an official response, the Ondo State Police Command confirmed the attack and said investigations had begun to track down the perpetrators.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, said the command strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “heinous violent incident.”
He said the police were working with other security agencies to ensure those responsible are arrested and brought to justice.
According to him, two persons were also rescued during the operation carried out by security operatives who responded to distress calls from the community.
“While two victims were successfully rescued through a swift and coordinated operation, the command expresses deep sorrow over the unfortunate deaths recorded,” he said.
Jimoh urged residents of the state to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing useful information that could help prevent further attacks.
He also advised communities to report suspicious movements and activities around their areas promptly.
The police assured the public that efforts are ongoing to strengthen security across the state and prevent a repeat of such incidents.
Despite these assurances, many residents remain fearful, saying the attackers often escape before security forces arrive at the scene.
Community members have called for more police patrols, especially at night, and better surveillance in vulnerable areas.
Some residents also want the government to address the root causes of insecurity, including unemployment and poor monitoring of forested areas believed to be hideouts for criminal gangs.
The killing of the mother and her daughter has left many families in shock, with neighbours describing the deceased woman as a hardworking business owner who ran a poultry farm in the community.
Her death, alongside her daughter, has further highlighted the human cost of the growing insecurity affecting parts of southwestern Nigeria.
For now, Igushin community remains tense, with residents worried about possible further attacks.
As investigations continue, the police say they are intensifying efforts to arrest the suspects and restore calm to the area.