Suspected kidnappers have abducted the traditional ruler of Ode Oriya Community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Adeniyi Adelana, during an attack on his residence.
The incident occurred at about 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, when armed men reportedly stormed the community and forcefully took the 60-year-old monarch to an unknown location.
Confirming the development on Sunday, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the victim’s wife sustained a gunshot wound to her right hand during the attack and is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility.
According to the police, the command has launched an intensive search-and-rescue operation aimed at securing the monarch’s freedom and apprehending those responsible for the abduction.
In a statement, Jimoh said preliminary findings revealed that about six armed men invaded Adelana’s residence under the cover of darkness before escaping through a nearby bush path with the community leader.
Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, mobilised a combined team of police officers and other security personnel to the scene. The area was secured immediately, while investigators carried out an initial assessment as part of ongoing efforts to track the kidnappers.
The police spokesman noted that security operatives are combing nearby forests, bush paths and suspected escape routes in a coordinated operation to locate the victim and bring the perpetrators to justice. Tactical deployments have also been reinforced across the area and neighbouring communities.
Jimoh said the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed all tactical units, intelligence officers and operational teams within the command to intensify efforts to ensure the monarch’s safe rescue and the arrest of the suspects.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that every available resource is being deployed to secure the victim’s release and combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The police urged residents to remain calm, go about their lawful activities without fear and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing operations. Members of the public were also encouraged to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through designated emergency channels.
