Gunmen kidnap Ondo traditional ruler, shoot wife

Suspected gunmen have abducted the traditional ruler of Odo-Oriya community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Adeniyi Adelana, during a late-night attack on his palace.

The 60-year-old monarch was reportedly taken away on Saturday night after armed men stormed his residence.

The spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that the victim’s wife was also shot during the attack and sustained injuries to her right hand.

According to the police, about six armed men invaded the palace at about 8:05 p.m., forcefully whisking the traditional ruler away through a nearby bush path.

Jimoh said the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, immediately mobilised operatives alongside other security personnel to the scene, where the area was secured and preliminary investigations commenced.

He added that the injured wife was rescued and taken to a medical facility, where she is receiving treatment and responding to care.

A full search-and-rescue operation has since been launched, with tactical units deployed across surrounding forests and escape routes in an effort to track the abductors and secure the victim’s release.

The police command said the Commissioner of Police has ordered all tactical and intelligence units to intensify efforts to rescue the monarch and apprehend those responsible, assuring residents that the command remains committed to restoring safety in the area.

Residents have been urged to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information that could aid ongoing operations.

The latest incident adds to a series of violent attacks and kidnappings in Ondo State, which have raised growing concerns among residents over worsening insecurity.

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.