Bandits Raid Oyo Farm, Kill Police Officer, Abduct Indian Expatriate in Daylight Attack

A fresh wave of insecurity has shaken Oyo State following a brazen attack on an agricultural facility in the Ogunmakin area near Ibadan, where armed men abducted an Indian national and killed a police officer assigned to protect the premises.

The incident occurred on Thursday, January 16, at about 1 pm at Aqua Triton Company, a farm located along a rural corridor that has recently seen rising security concerns. According to security sources, about 10 heavily armed men stormed the facility in broad daylight, overpowering security personnel before fleeing with their captive.

The victim, identified as 42-year-old Renjith Pillai, is a director at the company and was reportedly inspecting crops when the attackers struck.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security analyst who cited intelligence sources, the assailants arrived swiftly and appeared to have prior knowledge of the farm’s layout and security arrangement.

Police Officer Killed During Resistance

At the time of the attack, four officers of the Police Mobile Force were on duty at the farm. One of them, Inspector Imoobe Prester, reportedly confronted the gunmen in an attempt to prevent the abduction.

“During the encounter, the bandits shot Insp. Imoobe and fled into the bush with his AK-47 rifle after abducting the expatriate,” a security source told Zagazola Makama. “The officer was rushed for medical attention but later died from his injuries.”

The killing has further heightened concerns about the vulnerability of security personnel deployed to protect isolated commercial facilities, particularly farms and mining sites in rural communities.

The remains of the fallen officer have been deposited at the Adeoyo Hospital morgue on Ring Road, Ibadan, for autopsy and preservation.

Search and Rescue Operation Underway

Following the attack, security agencies launched a coordinated manhunt involving operatives from the Idi-Ayure Police Division, the anti-kidnapping unit, tactical squads, local hunters, and vigilante groups familiar with the surrounding terrain.

According to police sources, the search effort is being guided by intelligence from villagers and farm workers who may have seen the attackers’ escape routes. The operation is also focused on recovering the rifle taken from the slain officer, which authorities fear could be used in further criminal activity if not retrieved quickly.

As of the time of filing this report, no arrests had been confirmed, and the abducted expatriate had not been rescued.

The police have appealed to residents for credible information that could assist ongoing efforts, urging the public to report suspicious movements without delay.

Growing Security Concerns in Oyo State

The attack adds to mounting worries over the spread of armed banditry into southwestern Nigeria, a region that until recently was considered relatively insulated from the large-scale violence seen in parts of the North West and North Central.

Earlier, SaharaReporters quoted Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as warning that armed groups displaced by military operations in the North West were relocating to parts of the South West, including Oyo State.

Makinde made the remarks during the 2025 annual inter-faith service for workers held in the Agodi area of Ibadan. According to him, sustained military pressure in states such as

Zamfara and Kaduna has forced criminal elements to seek new hideouts.

“The pressure on them in the North West has pushed some of these elements southward,” the governor said at the time, while assuring residents that security agencies were on alert to prevent the state from becoming a safe haven for bandits.

He also pledged that the state government would work closely with federal security forces to identify and dismantle criminal networks operating within its borders.

Why the Attack Matters

Security analysts say the incident is significant for several reasons. First, it underscores the increasing boldness of criminal groups, who now operate in broad daylight and target facilities under police protection. Second, it highlights the growing risk faced by expatriates and agribusiness investors in rural parts of the country.

An analyst familiar with security developments in the South West noted that farms are increasingly being targeted because of their isolation, predictable routines, and perceived ransom value.

“When attackers are able to strike a guarded facility, kill an officer, and escape, it sends a dangerous signal,” the analyst said. “It shows the need for improved intelligence gathering, better equipment for rural policing, and stronger coordination with local communities.”

Implications for Agriculture and Investment

The incident could have wider implications for agricultural investment in Oyo State, which has positioned itself as a hub for agribusiness and food production in recent years. Large-scale farms often rely on expatriate expertise and private investment, both of which may be deterred by rising insecurity.

Security experts warn that unless decisive action is taken, such attacks could discourage expansion in the sector and increase operating costs as companies invest more heavily in private security.

What to Watch Next

Authorities are expected to intensify patrols in forested areas around Ogunmakin and neighboring communities in the coming days. Observers will also be watching to see whether the state government announces additional security measures or deploys more tactical units to rural flashpoints.

For now, the focus remains on rescuing the abducted expatriate alive and bringing those responsible for the attack to justice.

As investigations continue, the killing of Inspector Imoobe Prester has once again drawn attention to the risks faced daily by security personnel and the urgent need for a coordinated response to the evolving threat of banditry in southern Nigeria.