A tragic wildlife incident has unsettled residents of Innayin Community in Oyo State after a wild elephant attack claimed one life and left another person missing.
The event which occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, caused panic as the animal unexpectedly entered the community.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force in the state, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said security operatives responded swiftly after receiving a distress call.
According to him, police officers, working alongside local vigilantes and hunters, immediately mobilised to the area. Upon arrival, they discovered the lifeless body of 45-year-old Ibrahim Tijani in a nearby bush, with injuries consistent with an animal attack.
The deceased has since been taken to the General Hospital in Iwere-Ile for examination and preservation.
Police also revealed that another resident, Alhaji Muhammadu Bingin, aged 50, is still missing after reportedly encountering the same elephant. Search efforts are ongoing to locate him.
Authorities have deployed additional security personnel, hunters, and vigilantes to contain the situation and prevent further casualties. Residents have been urged to stay calm, avoid the affected areas, and report any sighting of the animal promptly.
Officials noted that the situation will be handled in accordance with wildlife protection laws, with the National Park Service Nigeria already engaged to provide expert guidance.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Abimbola Olugbenga, reassured the public that efforts are underway to restore safety, urging residents to cooperate with authorities as operations continue to secure the community and locate the missing individual.
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