Police Launch Massive Manhunt As Gunmen Abduct Ondo Community Leader

The Ondo State Police Command has commenced an intensive search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of a traditional ruler, Mr. Adeniyi Adelana, the Baale of Ode Oriya community in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

The 60-year-old community leader was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday night when armed men invaded his residence and forcefully took him away to an unknown location.

According to police authorities, the incident occurred at about 8:50 p.m. when six heavily armed assailants stormed the monarch’s home and whisked him away through a nearby bush path.

Confirming the development in a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, said security operatives immediately swung into action after receiving a distress report about the attack.

“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of B Division, Owo, swiftly mobilized a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel to the scene,” Jimoh stated.

He explained that officers promptly secured the area and carried out an initial assessment of the crime scene as part of efforts to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victim.

The police spokesperson disclosed that the abductors opened fire during the operation, leaving the victim’s wife injured.

According to him, she sustained a gunshot wound to her right hand and was immediately rushed to a medical facility for treatment.

“She is currently receiving medical attention and responding positively to treatment,” the statement noted.

The Command further revealed that a large-scale rescue operation has been activated, with security personnel combing forests, surrounding communities, bush paths, and other suspected hideouts believed to be linked to the abductors.

“A comprehensive search-and-rescue operation has been activated, with security operatives combing nearby forests, bush paths, and suspected escape routes in a determined effort to locate and secure the safe release of the victim while apprehending the kidnappers,” the police said.

As part of efforts to prevent further security breaches, the Command said additional tactical teams have been deployed to Owo and neighbouring communities to strengthen surveillance and improve response capabilities.

The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State has also directed all tactical units, intelligence teams, and operational squads to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of the traditional ruler and bringing those responsible for the abduction to justice.

Police authorities reassured residents that every available resource is being deployed to ensure the victim is rescued unharmed and reunited with his family.

Meanwhile, members of the public have been urged to remain calm, stay vigilant, and continue with their lawful activities while cooperating with security agencies.

The Command appealed to residents to provide any useful information that could assist ongoing investigations and rescue efforts, emphasizing that public cooperation remains crucial in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity and abductions targeting community leaders and prominent individuals in various parts of the country, prompting renewed calls for stronger security measures and intelligence-driven policing.