Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
OWO, Nigeria – A 60-year-old traditional ruler has been abducted by suspected bandits who stormed his palace in Ode Oriya Village, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, shooting his wife in the hand before fleeing into the bush with their captive. The attack occurred on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at approximately 8:05 p.m., when about six armed men invaded the residence of Adeniyi Adelana, the Baale (village head) of Ode Oriya.
According to a statement issued by the Ondo State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the assailants arrived under the cover of darkness and forcefully whisked the monarch away through a nearby bush path to an unknown destination. During the attack, the victim's wife sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand. She was promptly rescued and rushed to a nearby medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and responding positively to medical care.
The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu, has launched a coordinated rescue operation following the abduction. Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, immediately mobilised 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.
A comprehensive search-and-rescue operation has been 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.
The Commissioner of Police 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 abduction is the latest in a series of violent attacks and kidnappings that have heightened concerns among residents across Ondo State. In recent months, several communities in the state have witnessed similar attacks, including abductions, killings, and destruction of property, prompting renewed calls for stronger security intervention. Residents have been urged to remain calm and continue their lawful activities while cooperating with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that may aid ongoing operations.
Above is the photograph of the Baale of Ode Oriya community.
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