A 60-year-old traditional leader, Adeniyi Adelana, has been abducted following a late-night armed attack on his residence in the Odo-Oriya community of Ondo State.
The incident occurred on Saturday night in Odo-Oriya community, within Owo Local Government Area, when about six armed men reportedly stormed the palace under cover of darkness.
According to the Abayomi Jimoh, the attackers invaded the residence of the community leader, identified as the Baale of Odo-Oriya, and forcibly took him to an unknown location through a nearby bush path.
During the assault, the victim’s wife was shot in the right hand. She was rescued and is currently receiving medical treatment, where she is reported to be responding positively.
Security forces, led by the Divisional Police Officer of B Division in Owo, immediately mobilised a joint response team after receiving the distress report. The area was secured, and a preliminary investigation of the scene was conducted.
A coordinated search-and-rescue operation has since been launched, with police and other security operatives combing surrounding forests and suspected escape routes in an effort to rescue the abducted traditional ruler and apprehend the attackers. The police say tactical deployments have also been reinforced across nearby communities.
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The state police command says the Commissioner of Police has ordered all tactical and intelligence units to intensify efforts to ensure the safe return of the victim and the arrest of those responsible. Residents have also been urged to remain calm, go about their normal activities, and report any suspicious movements to security agencies.
The attack adds to a growing wave of insecurity in parts of Ondo State, where several abductions and violent incidents have been recorded in recent months.
Earlier incidents include an attack in Igbosi Community, where residents were injured and a child abducted, as well as multiple kidnappings in Akure and surrounding areas, including the abduction of health workers and local government officials.
There have also been reported attacks on medical personnel and civilians across the state, including cases in Ilu-Abo community and Owo community, raising continued concerns over security in both urban and rural areas.
Residents and community leaders have repeatedly called for stronger security presence and more effective interventions to curb the activities of armed groups operating across the state.
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