Gunmen attack Ondo village, kidnap traditional ruler

Some gunmen attacked Ode Oriya community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State on Saturday. They kidnapped the traditional ruler, Adeniyi Adelana, who is 60 years old.

A community member told PUNCH Metro that the attackers arrived around 8pm. They went straight to the home of the community leader and took him away to an unknown location in the bush.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident in a phone call with our correspondent on Sunday. He said the police have started a rescue operation in the forest.

“The Ondo State Police Command has launched a coordinated rescue operation after the abduction of a community leader by suspected kidnappers in Ode Oriya Village, Owo Local Government Area of the state.

“Initial reports show that around 8:05 p.m. on that day, about six armed men invaded the home of Mr Adeniyi Adelana, the Baale of Ode Oriya Village. The attackers came at night and forcefully took the victim away through a nearby bush path to an unknown location.

“After receiving the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer of B Division in Owo quickly mobilized a team of police and other security personnel to the area. They secured the scene and began assessing the crime scene as part of the ongoing investigation,” Jimoh explained.

He added that the victim’s wife was shot in her right hand during the attack. She was taken to the hospital for treatment.

“She was rescued and taken to a nearby medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and responding well to care,” he said.

According to him, a search-and-rescue operation is ongoing. Security operatives are searching nearby forests, bush paths, and possible escape routes. They are determined to track the kidnappers, secure the victim’s safe release, and arrest those responsible.

“Tactical deployments have also been increased in the area and neighboring communities to improve operational effectiveness,” he added.

Jimoh also said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Felix Ohagwu, has ordered all tactical units, intelligence teams, and operational teams to work harder to quickly rescue the victim and catch the kidnappers.

“The command is committed to ensuring that the victim returns safely to his family while all those involved face the law,” the PPRO stated.