The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of the traditional ruler of Odo-Oriya community in Owo Local Government Area of the State, Adeniyi Adelana.
In a statement by the spokesperson of the command, Abayomi Jimoh, the police revealed that the traditional ruler’s wife sustained injured during the attack.
According to the statement, the 60-year-old traditional ruler was kidnapped on Saturday night during an attack on his palace by gunmen, while the wife was shot on her right hand.
Jimoh said rescue operations had been launched “following the abduction of a community leader by suspected kidnappers in Ode Oriya Village, Owo Local Government Area of the state”.
“Preliminary reports indicate that at about 8:05 p.m. on the reported date, a group of approximately six armed men stormed the residence of Mr. Adeniyi Adelana, aged 60, the Baale of Ode Oriya Village,” the statement said.
“The assailants reportedly invaded the premises under the cover of darkness and forcefully whisked the victim away through a nearby bush path to an unknown destination.
“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of B Division, Owo, immediately mobilized a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel to the scene. The area was swiftly secured, and a preliminary assessment of the crime scene was conducted as part of ongoing investigative efforts.
“In the course of the attack, the victim’s wife sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand. She was promptly rescued and taken to a nearby medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and responding positively to medical care.
“A comprehensive search-and-rescue operation was immediately activated, with security operatives combing nearby forests, bush paths, and suspected escape routes in a determined effort to track the movement of the kidnappers, secure the victim’s safe release, and bring the perpetrators to justice. Tactical deployments have also been strengthened across the area and adjoining communities to enhance operational effectiveness.”
According to the statement, the police commissioner “has directed all tactical units, intelligence assets, and operational teams of the Command to intensify efforts toward the swift rescue of the victim and the apprehension of those responsible for the criminal act. The Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that the victim is reunited safely with his family while all those involved face the full weight of the law”.
“The Ondo State Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear. Residents are encouraged to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that may aid ongoing operations. Any suspicious movements or activities should be promptly reported to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels,” it said.
The attack is the latest in series of kidnap incident in the southwest region where the president comes from.
