Gunmen Invade Ondo Community, Kidnap Monarch, Shoot Wife

Gunmen invaded Ode Oriya community in the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State and abducted the traditional ruler, Chief Adeniyi Adelana, 60, after shooting his wife during a late-night attack on Saturday.

The Ondo State Police Command said about six armed men stormed the community at roughly 8 pm, made their way to the residence of the community leader and whisked him away into a nearby forest.

The monarch’s wife sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand. She was rescued by neighbours and taken to a medical facility, where she is receiving treatment and responding to care.

The police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said security operatives, including the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, and other tactical teams, were immediately deployed to comb nearby forests, bush paths and suspected escape routes.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson said the command had launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation to secure the monarch’s release and bring the perpetrators to justice, while asking residents to remain calm and share credible information with security agencies.

Local leaders in the area appealed for stronger security presence, saying attacks on rural communities continue to displace families and disrupt farming activity in the area.

The abduction also raises concerns about the safety of traditional rulers across the South-West, several of whom have been targeted in recent months by groups seeking ransom payments.

The abduction adds to a string of recent security incidents in Ondo and neighbouring states, with residents urging the state government to act decisively on rural patrol gaps.

Sources: Daily Trust, Daily Post, Punch, The Sun, PM News, Channels Television