Ondo State Traditional Ruler Abducted by Gunmen in Nighttime Palace Invasion

A disturbing incident has occurred in Ondo State, where a group of armed men stormed the palace of the Baale of Ode Oriya Village, Adeniyi Adelana, and abducted the 60-year-old traditional ruler. The attack happened on Saturday night, and according to the Ondo State Police Command's spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, the victim's wife was also shot and injured during the invasion. The police have launched a rescue operation and are working to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the traditional ruler. The police commissioner has directed all tactical units and operational teams to intensify their efforts to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible for the crime. The latest attack has added to the growing list of violent incidents and abductions in Ondo State, which have heightened fears among residents. Earlier in the month, gunmen invaded a community in Ose Local Government Area, injuring many residents and abducting a 9-year-old boy. In March 2026, armed men abducted health workers from a government-owned primary health centre in Akure, the state capital. The insecurity in the state is not limited to kidnappings, as a health worker was reportedly shot dead in Akure, and his young son was abducted. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns over the worsening insecurity in the state and are calling for a stronger security presence and urgent government intervention to curb the activities of armed groups operating across the state. The police have urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that may aid ongoing operations. The Ondo State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring the victim's safe release and bringing the perpetrators to justice.