Reports indicated that he was shot at close range while attempting to escape after being stopped on the highway. 

A 46-year-old health worker, Akinola Oyabiyi, has been shot dead by suspected kidnappers in Eleyowo community, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

It was learnt that Oyabiyi was returning home from work around 8pm when he was ambushed by the gunmen. 

Reports indicated that he was shot at close range while attempting to escape after being stopped on the highway. 

The assailants fled the scene, leaving him to bleed to death, Vanguard reports. 

Despite efforts to save him, Oyabiyi, who was rushed to the hospital, was declared by the doctors on arrival due to excessive blood loss.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Funmi Odunlami, assured that detectives were actively working to track down the perpetrators.

"We have launched an investigation to bring those responsible to justice," Odunlami stated.

Community leaders and residents have urged the government to boost security presence in Eleyowo and its surroundings to prevent further attacks.