Ondo Traditional Ruler Abducted by Gunmen, Police Launch Rescue Operation

A disturbing incident occurred in the Ode Oriya community, located in the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, where a group of armed men stormed the residence of the community's traditional ruler, Adeniyi Adelana, and abducted him. The event took place on Saturday at approximately 8 pm. According to reports, the gunmen, estimated to be around six in number, invaded the community under the cover of darkness and made their way to the 60-year-old traditional ruler's home, where they forcefully took him away through a nearby bush path. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident and stated that the Ondo State Police Command has initiated a coordinated rescue operation to locate the abducted community leader. Jimoh explained that upon receiving the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer, B Division, Owo, promptly mobilized a team of police operatives and other security personnel to the scene. The area was secured, and a preliminary assessment of the crime scene was conducted as part of the ongoing investigation. The victim's wife, who sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand during the attack, was rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The police spokesman added that a comprehensive search-and-rescue operation has been activated, with security operatives combing nearby forests, bush paths, and suspected escape routes to track the movement of the kidnappers and secure the victim's safe release. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Felix Ohagwu, has directed all tactical units, intelligence assets, and operational teams to intensify efforts toward the swift rescue of the victim and the arrest of those responsible. The police command remains committed to ensuring the victim is reunited safely with his family and that those involved face the full weight of the law.