Dare Babalola
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed a deadly encounter involving a wild elephant in Innayin Community, located in Oyo State, South-West Nigeria.
In a statement released on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed that the incident occurred on Thursday at about 3:30 p.m., resulting in the death of one resident and leaving another unaccounted for.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public of an unfortunate incident that occurred on Thursday, 23 April 2026, at about 1530HRS, involving the invasion of Innayin Community by a wild elephant,” the statement read.
According to the police, operatives—alongside local vigilantes and hunters—responded promptly after receiving a distress call. On arrival, they found the lifeless body of a 45-year-old man, Ibrahim Tijani, in a nearby bush, bearing injuries consistent with an animal attack.
His remains have since been taken to the General Hospital in Iwere-Ile for examination and preservation.
Meanwhile, search efforts are ongoing for another resident, Muhammadu Bingin, aged 50, who was declared missing after reportedly encountering the animal.
“Intensive efforts are currently underway to locate him,” the police added.
Authorities assured residents of Innayin and surrounding communities that the situation is being managed, urging them to steer clear of the affected area and immediately report any sighting of the elephant.
The police also noted that relevant agencies, including the National Park Service, are being contacted to provide expert support in handling the situation in accordance with wildlife conservation regulations.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, appealed for calm, stating that security personnel are actively working to secure the area and prevent further harm.
“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,” he said.
“We appeal to residents to remain calm, avoid the affected locations, and continue to cooperate with the police and other authorities.”
As of the time of filing this report, the National Park Service had not issued an official statement. Attempts to reach its Conservator-General, Ibrahim Goni, were unsuccessful.
However, a senior official of the agency, who spoke on condition of anonymity, suggested that the elephant may have been travelling along a migratory route.
“We don’t have elephants stationed in Oyo State, but there are populations passing through migratory routes in the state. Farmers are now cultivating along those routes, often planting crops that attract elephants,” the official explained.
He further noted that elephants can become aggressive when confronted, especially if they feel threatened.
“Elephants do not forget when they are attacked, which can lead to retaliatory behaviour,” he said, adding that officials are expected to visit the community next week to assess the situation and identify the migratory paths involved.
