Residents of Eleyewo in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State staged a protest on Saturday morning following the abduction of a couple by suspected bandits.

According to reports from the community, the assailants seized Jamiu Olawale and his wife late Friday night. The gunmen were said to have fired several shots during the attack, injuring another resident who narrowly escaped. The incident left many neighbours in panic, forcing some to flee their homes.

In anger over the development, protesters trooped out and blocked the busy Akure–Owo Expressway, singing solidarity songs and demanding swift action from security agencies.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said it received information about the attack at about 9:45 p.m. on Friday. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, explained that the couple had just returned to their residence at Olaribigba Estate, Iluabo, in an ash-coloured Toyota Camry when they were ambushed.

Police said the gunmen allegedly emerged from nearby bush paths and attacked the victims in front of their home before taking them to an undisclosed location.

During the incident, a neighbour identified as Patrick Ilumaro, who was seated outside his house, was hit by a bullet. He was immediately taken to a medical facility, where he is currently receiving treatment.

The abduction comes shortly after another violent incident in the same local government area. Just two days earlier, the traditional ruler of Agamo Community, Oba Kehinde Falodun, was reportedly killed by suspected bandits while resisting an attempted kidnapping.

Security agencies say efforts are underway to track down the perpetrators and rescue the abducted couple, as tension continues to mount across affected communities.