Suspected kidnappers have abducted the traditional ruler of Ode Oriya in Owo local government area of Ondo State, Chief Adeniyi Adelana.
The 60-year-old monarch was reportedly taken away from his residence on Saturday night when about six armed men stormed the community around 8:30 p.m.
Sources disclosed that the assailants, who were heavily armed, attacked the Ode Oriya’s palace and shot the monarch’s wife before forcefully taking Adelana into a nearby forest.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the injured woman is currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
Jimoh stated that security operatives were immediately deployed to the area following the attack, with tactical teams conducting extensive searches across the forest and surrounding communities in a bid to rescue the monarch and apprehend his abductors.
He said, “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.
“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.”
