BREAKING: Terrorists Abduct Traditional Ruler Of Odo-Oriya In Ondo State [PHOTO]
Efforts by the security agencies to protect lives and property within Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State have been marred after gunmen abducted the traditional ruler of Odo-Oriya community, Adeniyi Adelana, and shot the wife during an attack on the palace in the state.
Following the attack, it was learnt that fear and tension had gripped residents, who expressed dissatisfaction over the attack on the palace, leading to the abduction of the 60-year-old traditional ruler from the community.
On Sunday, The Guild gathered that the traditional ruler was whisked away by armed men yesterday after they stormed his residence under the cover of darkness.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the traditional ruler’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 attack occurred at about 8:05 p.m. when approximately six heavily armed men invaded the palace of the Baale of Odo-Oriya Village and forcefully abducted him.
“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,” Jimoh stated.
The brazen attack has heightened concerns over the growing wave of kidnappings and violent crimes across parts of Ondo State and the wider South-West region.
Police said officers from the B Division in Owo responded swiftly after receiving a distress call. A combined team of security operatives was immediately deployed to secure the area and commence rescue 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,” the statement added.
The police spokesperson disclosed that a manhunt has been launched across forests, bush paths, and suspected escape routes to rescue the traditional ruler and apprehend his captors.
“The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State has directed all tactical units, intelligence operatives, and other security personnel to intensify efforts toward the safe rescue of the monarch and the arrest of those behind the crime.
“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 police spokesman assured.
Meanwhile, residents have been urged to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities while supporting security agencies with credible information that could aid ongoing investigations.
Community leaders and residents have condemned the attack, describing it as a disturbing assault on traditional institutions and a threat to peace and security in the area.
