A tragic wildlife incident has shaken residents of Innayin Community after a wild elephant reportedly attacked villagers, leaving one person dead and another missing.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon near Iwere-Ile in Iwajowa Local Government Area. Local authorities confirmed that a 45-year-old man, Ibrahim Tijani, lost his life during the encounter.
According to a statement issued by Ayanlade Olayinka, spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, officers responded swiftly after receiving reports of the attack around 3:30 p.m.
Upon arrival, security personnel discovered Tijani’s body in a nearby bush. Authorities noted that his injuries were consistent with a violent animal attack.
The remains were later transported to the General Hospital in Iwere-Ile for examination and preservation.
Meanwhile, search efforts are ongoing for another resident, Muhammadu Bingin, who was reportedly involved in the same encounter and has not been found.
Security teams, including local hunters and officials from the National Park Service Nigeria, have been deployed to the area to manage the situation and prevent further casualties.
Authorities have urged residents to stay away from the affected zone and immediately report any sightings of the animal.
The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, reassured the public that coordinated efforts are in place to restore safety while respecting wildlife protection regulations.
Officials also emphasized the importance of handling the situation carefully, noting that wildlife conservation laws must be upheld even during emergencies.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about human-wildlife conflict in rural communities across Oyo State, where expanding settlements increasingly overlap with natural habitats.
