By Tola Gbadamosi

The family of Oyabiyi was thrown into mourning on Friday after a 46-year-old private health worker, Akinola Oyabiyi, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen near Akure Airport in Ondo State.

The incident, which occurred around 8pm on Tuesday in Akure North Local Government Area, also saw the assailants abduct Oyabiyi’s nine-year-old son.

Oyabiyi, a father of four, was reportedly on his way home when he encountered the gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers.

A family source, speaking anonymously, disclosed that he was shot as he attempted to flee from his vehicle.

The killing adds to a growing wave of violent attacks in the Akure Airport axis, where five farmers were recently murdered, and several kidnappings have taken place, including the abduction of students from the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, while on their mandatory Industrial Training (IT) programme.

Residents of Akure have expressed fear over the rising insecurity, urging authorities to take decisive action to curb the violence.

Reacting to the incident, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, confirmed that an investigation was underway.

“We are on it,” she said, assuring that efforts were being made to track down the perpetrators and restore security in the area.