One person has been confirmed dead and another declared missing following an attack by a wild elephant in Innayin community in Oyo State.
The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday when residents reported the elephant’s sudden appearance, the state police command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed in a statement.
Police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, responded promptly after receiving a distress call from the community.
“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, aged 45 years, was discovered in a nearby bush with injuries consistent with an animal attack,” the statement read.
Olayinka added that the victim’s remains had been evacuated to the General Hospital in Iwere-Ile for examination and preservation.
Another resident, Alhaji Muhammadu Bingin, 50, was reported missing after an encounter with the animal.
“During ongoing search operations, another individual, identified as Alhaji Muhammadu Bingin, aged 50 years, was reported missing after an encounter with the same animal. Intensive efforts are currently underway to locate him,” the statement added.
The command said it had deployed operatives alongside local hunters and vigilantes to manage the situation and prevent further casualties, urging residents to remain calm and avoid the affected area.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Abimbola Olugbenga, reassured residents of their safety. “Our officers are fully on ground, working with relevant stakeholders to secure the area and prevent further casualties,” he said.
Relevant authorities, including the National Park Service Nigeria, are being engaged to provide expert guidance on safely managing the situation.
