One Dead as Wild Elephant Strays into Oyo Community

Panic and fear gripped the Innayin community in Oyo State on Thursday when a wild elephant emerged around 3:30 pm, leading to a fatal encounter.

While one resident has been confirmed dead, a search is currently underway for a second person reported missing.

DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, speaking for the state police command, noted that authorities acted swiftly.

Police teams, working alongside local hunters and vigilante groups, arrived on the scene shortly after the community raised the alarm.

Olayinka said: “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 invasion 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.”

Olayinka said the victim’s remains had been deposited at the General Hospital, Iwere-Ile.

According to the spokesman, 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 ‘M’, aged 50 years, was reported missing after an encounter with the same animal. Intensive efforts are currently underway to locate him.”

The command said it had deployed operatives alongside local hunters and vigilantes to manage the situation and prevent further casualties.

It urged residents of Innayin and neighbouring communities to remain calm, avoid the affected area, and promptly report any sighting 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.

Police Commissioner Abimbola Olugbenga, has also reassured residents of their safety.

“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.

The police appreciated the cooperation of residents and urged continued collaboration with security agencies.