Kidnappers Abduct Travellers in Oyo Community, Military Launches Hunt

By Momodu Favour

Suspected kidnappers have abducted an unspecified number of travellers in Tessi village near Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, when the victims were reportedly travelling through the area.

According to preliminary reports from local sources, the victims are believed to be travellers who were passing through Tessi at the time of the attack. However, the exact number of people abducted remains unclear as some of the victims reportedly escaped from the kidnappers while fleeing into the surrounding forest.

Residents said the assailants ambushed the travellers before whisking them away to an unknown destination, creating panic among villagers and road users in the area.

Security sources indicated that troops have since been deployed to the community and nearby forests to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victims.

Local sources also linked the growing security concerns in the area to illegal mining activities reportedly taking place around Tessi and other neighbouring communities near Igbeti.

According to residents, the presence of illegal miners has attracted criminal elements who now exploit the rugged terrain and forested areas to carry out attacks.

Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the incident, but security agencies are expected to intensify surveillance and investigate the possible connection between the kidnapping and the alleged illegal mining operations in the area.

Meanwhile, residents and travellers have been advised to exercise caution when moving around Tessi, Igbeti and surrounding communities, particularly during late hours, as security operatives continue efforts to restore calm and apprehend those responsible for the attack.