Suspected kidnappers have abducted the traditional ruler of Ode Oriya community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mr Adeniyi Adelana, after invading his residence and shooting his wife during the attack.
The incident occurred on Saturday night when armed men reportedly stormed the community and forcefully whisked the 60-year-old community leader away to an unknown location.
Confirming the development on Sunday, the Ondo State Police Command said the victim’s wife sustained a gunshot wound to her right hand while the attackers carried out the abduction.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the injured woman was immediately taken to a medical facility and is currently responding to treatment.
According to the police, the attackers, numbering about six, invaded the Baale’s residence at approximately 8:05 p.m. and escaped through a nearby bush path after seizing their victim.
“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,” the statement said.
Jimoh explained that security operatives swung into action shortly after receiving a distress call, with the Divisional Police Officer in Owo mobilising a combined team of police personnel and other security agencies to the scene.
He said the area was secured while investigators conducted an initial assessment as part of efforts to track down the kidnappers.
The command also announced the commencement of an extensive search-and-rescue operation aimed at securing the traditional ruler’s freedom.
Security operatives have since been combing forests, bush paths and suspected escape routes around the area in a bid to locate the abductors and rescue Adeniyi Adelana unharmed.
The statement added that tactical deployments had been reinforced across Owo and neighbouring communities to strengthen ongoing operations.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, was said to have directed tactical units, intelligence teams and other operational personnel to intensify efforts toward the victim’s rescue and the arrest of those behind the crime.
“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 statement added.
The police urged residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities without fear, assuring them that efforts were being intensified to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The command also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations and rescue efforts.
The abduction adds to growing concerns over rising cases of kidnapping and violent attacks in parts of Ondo State and the wider South-West region.
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