Tension In Ondo As Gunmen Storm Palace, Abduct Traditional Ruler, Shoot Wife

Rotela Oguns

The gale of insecurity sweeping across the country has hit a palace in Ondo State.

This is as suspected terrorists abducted Adeniyi Adelana, a traditional ruler of Odo-Oriya community in Owo Local Government Area .

Adelana, who is 60-year-old, was kidnapped on Saturday night when a group of men armed to the teeth stormed his palace.

While the whereabouts of the monarch is unknown, the State Police Command’s spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, has confirmed the incident in a statement.

Jimoh noted that the gunmen shot the monarch’s wife in the leg during the operation resulting in gunshot shot injury in the right leg of the woman.

He stressed that the command had launched rescue operations.

“Following the abduction of a community leader by suspected kidnappers in Ode Oriya Village, Owo Local Government Area of the state” the statement read in part.

It continued, “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 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.” the statement added.

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.

This latest development has escalated tension in Ondo State.

Prior to this latest abduction, the state had witnessed several issues of kidnappings and violent attacks foisted on residents of the state.

Recall that 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.