Tragedy struck Innayin Community in Oyo State on Thursday as a wild elephant reportedly killed one person and left another missing after invading the area.
The incident, which occurred around 3:30 pm, threw residents into panic following the sudden appearance of the animal.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said security operatives swiftly responded to a distress call from the community.
He disclosed that police personnel, working alongside local vigilantes and hunters, were immediately deployed to the scene to contain the situation.
According to him, the body of a 45-year-old man, identified as Ibrahim Tijani, was discovered in a nearby bush with injuries consistent with an animal attack.
The remains, he added, had been evacuated to the General Hospital, Iwere-Ile, for further examination and preservation.
Olayinka also revealed that another resident, Alhaji Muhammadu Bingin, aged 50, was declared missing after reportedly encountering the animal.
He said search efforts were ongoing to locate the missing individual, with security operatives intensifying operations in the area.
The command noted that additional personnel, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilantes, had been deployed to prevent further casualties and restore calm.
Residents of Innayin and surrounding communities were advised to remain vigilant, avoid affected areas and promptly report any sighting of the elephant.
The police further stated that relevant authorities, including the National Park Service, were being engaged to provide expert guidance in handling the situation in line with wildlife regulations.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Abimbola Olugbenga, reassured residents of their safety, stating that efforts were ongoing to bring the situation under control.
He urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as measures were being intensified to prevent a recurrence.
The command commended residents for their cooperation and called for sustained collaboration to ensure the safety of lives and property.
