A tragic incident has struck Innayin Community in Oyo State, where a wild elephant attack has left one person dead and another missing.
The incident, which reportedly occurred around 3:30 pm on Thursday, threw the community into panic following the sudden appearance of the animal.
The spokesperson for the Oyo State command of the Nigeria Police Force, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the development in a statement, noting that security operatives responded swiftly after receiving a distress call.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public of an unfortunate incident that occurred on Thursday, 23rd April 2026, at about 1530HRS, involving the invasion of Innayin Community by a wild elephant,” he said.
According to the police, operatives, working alongside local vigilantes and hunters, mobilised to the scene immediately.
“Upon receiving a distress call, police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On arrival, the lifeless body of one Ibrahim Tijani ‘M’, aged 45 years, was discovered in a nearby bush with injuries consistent with an animal attack,” the statement read.
The remains of the deceased have since been evacuated to the General Hospital, Iwere-Ile, for examination and preservation.
The police further disclosed that another resident, identified as Alhaji Muhammadu Bingin, aged 50, remains missing after encountering the same elephant.
“During ongoing search operations, another individual, identified as Alhaji Muhammadu Bingin ‘M’, aged 50 years, was reported missing after an encounter with the same animal. Intensive efforts are currently underway to locate him,” Olayinka added.
Authorities said additional operatives, local hunters, and vigilantes have been deployed to contain the situation and prevent further casualties.
Residents of Innayin and neighbouring communities have been advised to remain calm, avoid the affected areas, and promptly report any sighting of the animal.
The command emphasised that the situation would be handled in line with wildlife conservation regulations, noting that relevant agencies have been contacted.
“While efforts are ongoing to secure the community, the command emphasises the importance of handling such incidents with due regard to wildlife conservation laws.
“Relevant authorities, including the National Park Service Nigeria, are being engaged to provide expert guidance on safely managing the situation,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Abimbola Olugbenga, reassured residents that security agencies are working tirelessly to restore calm.
“We understand the concerns this incident has generated within the community. Our officers are fully on ground, working with relevant stakeholders to secure the area and prevent further casualties,” he said.
“We appeal to residents to remain calm, avoid the affected locations, and continue to cooperate with the police and other authorities as we work to bring the situation under control in a safe and professional manner.”
The police also commended residents for their cooperation so far and urged continued collaboration with security agencies as efforts intensify to neutralise the threat and locate the missing victim.