Suspected terrorists have abducted the traditional ruler of Odo-Oriya community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Adeniyi Adelana.
The 60-year-old traditional ruler was kidnapped on Saturday night during an attack on his palace by gunmen.
The Ondo State Police Command’s spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident in a statement.
According to the statement, the victim’s wife was also shot by the gunmen and sustained an injury to her right hand.
Jimoh said rescue operations had been launched “following the abduction of a community leader by suspected kidnappers in Ode Oriya Village, Owo Local Government Area of the state”.
“Preliminary reports indicate that at about 8:05 p.m. on the reported date, a group of approximately six armed men stormed the residence of Mr. Adeniyi Adelana, aged 60, the Baale of Ode Oriya Village,” the statement said.
“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.
“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of B Division, Owo, immediately mobilized a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel to the scene. The area was swiftly secured, and a preliminary assessment of the crime scene was conducted as part of ongoing investigative efforts.
“In the course of the attack, the victim’s wife sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand. She was promptly rescued and taken to a nearby medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and responding positively to medical care.
“A comprehensive search-and-rescue operation was immediately activated, with security operatives combing nearby forests, bush paths, and suspected escape routes in a determined effort to track the movement of the kidnappers, secure the victim’s safe release, and bring the perpetrators to justice. Tactical deployments have also been strengthened across the area and adjoining communities to enhance operational effectiveness.”
According to the statement, the police commissioner “has directed all tactical units, intelligence assets, and operational teams of the Command to intensify efforts toward the swift rescue of the victim and the apprehension of those responsible for the criminal act. 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 Ondo State Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear. Residents are encouraged to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that may aid ongoing operations. Any suspicious movements or activities should be promptly reported to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels,” it said.
The latest attack adds to a growing list of violent incidents and abductions that have heightened fears among residents across Ondo State.
Earlier in the month, gunmen invaded Igbosi Community, Idogun, in Ose Local Government Area of the state, injuring many residents.
The attackers also destroyed buildings in the community and abducted a 9-year-old boy.
The abducted child, identified as Oluwatobi, is said to be the son of a popular pastor in the town.
In March 2026, armed men reportedly invaded a government-owned primary health centre in the Oke Ijebu area of Akure, the state capital, and abducted at least six health workers.
It was gathered that the attackers struck in a coordinated operation around 2:00 a.m., catching staff and patients off guard as they forced their way into the facility and carried out the abduction without resistance.
Also in March 2026, kidnappers seized a council official and another victim in Akure North and reportedly demanded a ransom for their release.
The insecurity is not limited to kidnappings.
In a separate incident, a health worker was reportedly shot dead in Akure, while his young son was abducted, highlighting the increasing targeting of civilians and medical personnel in the state.
In February 2026, gunmen abducted a couple in Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area, and police launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
Similarly, in 2025, a staff member of the Federal Medical Centre in Owo was reportedly abducted from his residence, further underscoring the persistent threat to health workers in Ondo communities.
Residents have repeatedly raised concerns over worsening insecurity in the state, with many calling for a stronger security presence and urgent government intervention to curb the activities of armed groups operating across the state.
(SaharaReporters)
