There was pandemonium at Innayin Community in Oyo State following the invasion of an elephant which killed one person and left one other missing.

The incident, as confirmed by the Oyo State Police Command, occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, when residents reported the elephant’s sudden appearance within the community.

According to the spokesperson of the command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, responded promptly after receiving a distress call from the community.

He said, “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public of an unfortunate incident that occurred on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at about 1530 hours, 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, male, aged 45, was discovered in a nearby bush with injuries consistent with an animal attack,” the statement read.

Ayanlade stressed that the victim’s remains had been evacuated to the General Hospital, Iwere-Ile, for examination and preservation. He said 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, male, aged 50, was reported missing after an encounter with the same animal. Intensive efforts are currently underway to locate him,” the statement added.

The command said that it had deployed operatives alongside local hunters and vigilantes to manage the situation and prevent further casualties. It urged residents of Innayin and neighbouring com- munities to remain calm, avoid the affected area, and promptly report any sighting of the animal.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Abim- bola Olugbenga, also reassured residents of their safety, saying, “We understand the concerns this incident has generated within the community.

“Our officers are fully on the ground, working with relevant stakeholders to se- cure 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.”