Gunmen Abduct Ondo Traditional Ruler, Shoot Wife During Palace Attack

 

Residents of Odo-Oriya community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State were thrown into panic after gunmen abducted the community’s traditional ruler, Adeniyi Adelana, during a late-night attack on his palace.

 

The incident occurred on Saturday evening when the attackers reportedly invaded the monarch’s residence and forcefully took him away to an unknown destination.

 

Confirming the development, the Ondo State Police Command said the traditional ruler was abducted by a group of armed men who struck under the cover of darkness.

 

Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the attackers also shot the monarch’s wife during the operation, leaving her with a gunshot wound to her right hand.

 

According to him, security operatives were immediately mobilised to the area after receiving a distress call, while a preliminary assessment of the crime scene was conducted.

 

He said the injured woman was rescued and rushed to a medical facility where she is receiving treatment and responding positively.

 

The police spokesman added that a large-scale search-and-rescue operation had commenced, with security personnel combing nearby forests and suspected escape routes in a bid to secure the monarch’s release and apprehend the perpetrators.

 

Jimoh said the Commissioner of Police had directed tactical units and intelligence teams across the state to intensify efforts aimed at rescuing the traditional ruler and bringing those responsible for the abduction to justice.

 

The latest incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in Ondo State, where communities have witnessed a series of kidnappings, attacks and violent crimes in recent months.

 

Residents have repeatedly called on authorities to strengthen security measures and curb the activities of criminal groups operating across the state.