Pregnant Woman Abducted in Ondo as 85-Year-Old Victim Escapes

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Terror does not always roar. Sometimes it comes on a quiet Tuesday evening, cloaked in gunshots, fear, and helpless screams. In Ayede community, the terror that unfolded saw a pregnant woman forced from her home, gunmen abduct her in front of her neighbors, and an 85-year-old grandmother momentarily taken before fleeing to safety. These three chilling facts define a crisis that has shaken the heart of Ondo State and exposed deeper insecurity in rural communities.

Before examining the full details, it is important to understand why this incident matters. It affects not just one family but the security perception of an entire region.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 — Ayede Community, Akure North LGA, Ondo State

On the evening of Tuesday, January 27, 2026, gunmen armed with guns and aggression descended on Ayede community in the Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State. Ayede is a quiet agrarian enclave located near the Federal Secretariat Complex in Akure. Around 7:40 p.m., the attackers began shooting sporadically into the air. The sudden, loud gunfire sparked mass panic among residents. [source]

The first victim was Mrs. Mary Jesulayomi, a pregnant woman who had stepped out moments before the assault. In a terrifying display, the gunmen seized her and forced her into a vehicle. The community watched in shock as a mother-to-be disappeared within minutes. [source]

In the same raid, the elderly couple, Mrs. Ogunleye Mese (85 years) and her husband Pa Ogunleye Mese (90 years), were targeted. Mrs. Mese was briefly taken but managed to escape, while her husband sustained injuries in the chaos. [source]

The state police confirmed the incident and deployed tactical teams to the scene. Their priority is the safe return of Mrs. Jesulayomi and the arrest of the culprits. [source]

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The Night of Chaos: How the Abduction Unfolded

The attack started abruptly. At around 7 p.m., local residents heard gunshots. At first, they believed the noise came from a distance. Then the gunfire got closer. Windows rattled. Dogs barked wildly. People ran for safety. Within minutes, an entire community was in disarray.

Mrs. Jesulayomi was at a local shop near her home when the raid began. Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying. One moment she was browsing items; the next, she was forced into a black SUV that sped away. [source]

Several residents tried to intervene. Some hid in bushes. Others locked themselves indoors. Nobody knew the number of attackers. The fear was swift and total.

Eyewitness Account: Escape and Injury

Pa Ogunleye Mese recounted the attack to journalists. He and his wife were inside their home when the gunmen struck. They initially tried to defend themselves. But the attackers were too many and too organized.

“They came here yesterday evening. They started shooting into the air. They came into my house. They wanted to take me, but I ran. They took my wife and the pregnant woman,” Pa Mese told reporters. [source]

Mrs. Mese, 85, managed to flee and return safely. Her husband suffered injuries during the escape. Their story highlights the suddenness and brutality of the raid. [source]

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Police Response and Ongoing Rescue Efforts

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the abduction. They deployed officers immediately. Tactical units are on the ground to track the kidnappers and rescue Mrs. Jesulayomi. [source]

“Efforts are ongoing towards the rescue of the victim and apprehension of the perpetrators,” DSP Abayomi Jimoh said. [source]

Police have cordoned off exit routes from Akure. They are interviewing residents to gather intelligence. The community remains on high alert.

A Pattern of Kidnappings in Akure North

This kidnapping was not isolated. In the same week, multiple abductions occurred in Akure North LGA. [source]

On January 24, 2026, gunmen abducted four people at Eleyewo community. Two victims were later rescued. On January 25, 2026, a woman was kidnapped in Ilu-Abo community, and three residents were shot. These incidents indicate a growing security crisis. Residents fear for their safety.

Who Is Mrs. Mary Jesulayomi?

Mrs. Jesulayomi is the pregnant woman abducted in Ayede. She was near her home when the attack occurred. Neighbors describe her as gentle and hard-working. Authorities are deeply concerned for her health and that of her unborn child. [source]

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The Cost of Kidnapping

Kidnapping affects families, communities, and the local economy. Families face emotional trauma. Communities lose trust and cohesion. Businesses shrink as fear keeps people indoors. Agricultural productivity declines when farmers avoid their fields. The ripple effects can last months, even years.

Security Challenges in Southern Nigeria

Kidnappings are increasing in southern Nigeria, including Ondo, Ekiti, and Osun states. Criminal gangs operate with boldness in rural communities. They often demand ransom from terrified families. These trends disrupt daily life and threaten public safety. [source]

Local Reaction and Calls for Safety

Ayede residents remain fearful. Social media is full of pleas for help. Some communities staged quiet vigils. Leaders are calling for stronger police patrols, better communication from authorities, and community policing initiatives. Safety is now a daily concern.

What Comes Next?

Police continue to search for Mrs. Jesulayomi. Community watch groups have formed to patrol at night. Analysts argue for a long-term security strategy in rural Nigeria. Temporary measures are insufficient to prevent further kidnappings.

Protecting Mothers: Maternal Health Risks

The abduction highlights the link between insecurity and maternal health. Even strong health systems cannot protect women in conflict zones. Projects like the Abiye Safe Motherhood Project in Ondo State aim to protect pregnant women, but insecurity undermines these efforts.

Final Thoughts

The abduction of Mrs. Mary Jesulayomi is a human tragedy. It affects an entire community. Her rescue and the arrest of her abductors are urgent. Violence like this cannot be ignored. Citizens, authorities, and communities must work together. Vulnerable groups, especially pregnant women and the elderly, deserve safety. Every effort must be made to bring Mrs. Jesulayomi home safely. Her story is a reminder that security is not optional — it is essential.

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