Panic has gripped parts of Oyo State after a wild elephant attacked residents of Innayin community, leaving one person dead and another missing.
The elephant attacks in Oyo state, which occurred around 3:30 pm on Thursday, prompted a swift response from the Nigeria Police Force, alongside local vigilantes and hunters, following a distress call.
Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka confirmed that the lifeless body of a 45-year-old man was discovered in a nearby bush with injuries consistent with an animal attack. The remains have since been evacuated to a general hospital for examination.
“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 attack of Innayin Community by a wild elephant.
“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.
He added that another resident is currently missing after an encounter with the animal, with security operatives intensifying search efforts to locate him.
Authorities said personnel have been deployed to secure the area and prevent further casualties, while urging residents to remain calm, avoid affected locations, and report any sightings of the animal.
“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,” Olayinka said.
The police also disclosed that relevant agencies, including the National Park Service Nigeria, are being engaged to provide expert guidance on managing the situation.
“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.
“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,” he said.
