Elephant Attack Claims One Life and One Missing in Oyo State

• Elephant Attack Leaves One Dead and One Missing in Oyo State

IBADAN, NIGERIA — Tragedy struck the Innayin community in Oyo State on Thursday afternoon after a wild elephant reportedly attacked residents, leaving one man dead and another missing.

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident occurred at approximately 3:30 pm on April 23, 2026. Security forces, including police operatives, local vigilantes, and hunters, were deployed to the area following a distress call from the community.

During a search of the nearby bushes, authorities discovered the body of 45-year-old Ibrahim Tijani. According to a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the victim’s remains showed injuries consistent with a violent animal encounter.

Tijani’s body has since been evacuated to the General Hospital in Iwere-Ile for medical examination and preservation.

NaijaChoice News gathered that a second individual, identified as 50-year-old Alhaji Muhammadu Bingin, remains missing. He was reportedly last seen during an encounter with the same animal, and intensive search efforts are currently underway to locate him.

Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, reassured the public that the situation is being closely monitored. He noted that the command is working with various stakeholders to secure the community and prevent further casualties.

The police have also established contact with the National Park Service Nigeria. The agency is expected to provide expert technical guidance on managing the wildlife threat while adhering to conservation laws.

Residents of Innayin and surrounding settlements in the Oke-Ogun region have been urged to remain calm but vigilant. The police issued a stern advisory for people to avoid the affected bushes and report any elephant sightings immediately.

This rare and fatal encounter highlights the growing challenges of human-wildlife conflict in areas bordering Nigeria’s forest reserves and national parks.

The incident has sparked fresh concerns regarding the safety of farming communities located near the Old Oyo National Park, where such wildlife is known to roam.