One person has died and another is missing following an attack by a wild elephant in Innayin community, Oyo State, on the afternoon of Thursday, 23rd April 2026. The Oyo Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, who identified the deceased as 45-year-old Ibrahim Tijani. His body was found in a nearby bush with injuries consistent with an animal attack and has been taken to General Hospital, Iwere-Ile, for medical examination.
Alhaji Muhammadu Bingin is currently unaccounted for after reportedly encountering the same elephant. Police, local vigilantes and hunters responded to a distress call and have launched a search operation to locate him. The Oyo Police Command said the situation is under control and urged residents in Innayin and surrounding areas to avoid the affected zones.
The Command advised the public to report any sighting of the animal to security agencies immediately. It stated that relevant bodies, including the National Park Service Nigeria, are being engaged for expert support in managing the animal safely. Police Commissioner Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga was quoted urging calm and reaffirming the commitment of police officers on ground. He emphasized collaboration with stakeholders to prevent further harm while observing wildlife conservation guidelines.
The police are coordinating with wildlife authorities to manage a dangerous elephant, yet residents were left to face the animal with vigilantes and hunters during the initial response. Ibrahim Tijani is dead, and Alhaji Muhammadu Bingin remains missing—two lives directly affected while official machinery activates only after tragedy. The call for calm cannot mask the delay in deploying expert wildlife intervention to protect these communities. If the animal had been contained earlier, one or both men might still be alive.
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