Suspected kidnappers whisk away Ondo monarch, shoot wife, in night raid

By Adetokunbo Abiola

Armed men on Saturday stormed the palace of Baale Adeniyi Adelana, the Olariya of Odo-Oriya in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, shot his wife and forcefully whisked him away through a nearby bush path to an unknown destination.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command’s spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, said rescue operations had been launched immediately to ensure the monarch regained his freedom.

According to Jimoh, unknown gunmen kidnapped the 60-year-old traditional head on Saturday at about 8:05 p.m, having invaded his palace under the cover of darkness, and forcefully taken him away to an unknown destination.

Jimoh said, “The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Oladipo Ohagwu has launched a coordinated rescue operation following the abduction of a community leader by suspected kidnappers in Ode Oriya Village, Owo Local Government Area of the State.

He said that upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), B Division, Owo, immediately mobilized a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel to the scene, the  area swiftly secured and a preliminary assessment of the crime scene 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,” Jimoh said.

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.

Tactical deployments had also been strengthened across the area and adjoining communities to enhance operational effectiveness, Jimoh said.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police had 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 remained resolute in its commitment to ensuring that the victim was reunited safely with his family, while all those involved would face the full weight of the law, Jimoh said.

“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,” Jimoh said.