SAA event in Nigeria on Fri 16th January 2026

Bandits abduct Indian expatriate, kill police officer in Oyo farm attack

By: Zagazola Makama 

An Indian expatriate was abducted and a police officer killed during an attack by armed bandits at Ogunmakin Village in Ibadan, Oyo State, the police said.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Jan. 16 at about 1:00 p.m. at Aqua Triton Company, an agricultural farm, when about ten armed bandits laid siege to the farm.

“The bandits abducted 42-year-old Renjith Pillai, a company director, while he was inspecting crops,” the source said.

The source said four personnel from the Police Mobile Force (PMF) were on guard duty at the farm. Insp. Imoobe Prester, one of the officers, resisted the abductors and engaged them in a gun duel in a bid to prevent the kidnapping.

“During the encounter, the bandits shot Insp. Imoobe and fled into the bush with his AK-47 rifle after abducting the expatriate. The officer was rushed for medical attention but later died,” the source added.

A joint team comprising police operatives from Idi-Ayure Division, PMF personnel, the command’s anti-kidnapping squad, other tactical units, local hunters, and vigilantes was immediately deployed to the scene to comb the surrounding bushes for the abductors and recover the stolen firearm.

The source said intelligence from villagers and farm workers is being used to track the suspects. The corpse of the slain officer has been deposited at Adeoyo Hospital morgue on Ring Road, Ibadan, for preservation and autopsy.

Investigation into the incident is ongoing. The police urged members of the public to provide any information that could aid the rescue of the abducted expatriate and arrest of the perpetrators.