Gunmen have abducted the traditional ruler of Ode Oriya Village in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State. The armed gang stormed the community late Friday night and seized Monarch Adeniyi Adelana from his home.
About six attackers struck around 8:05 p.m. on June 13. They used the cover of darkness to move through the village before dragging him away via a bush path.
The monarch's wife was shot in the right hand during the raid. Residents panicked as gunfire erupted across the compound.
Police moved quickly to help her. She was rushed to a nearby hospital for immediate treatment.
Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer Jimoh Abayomi confirmed the kidnapping on Friday. In his words, "The victim's wife sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand and was promptly rescued and taken to a nearby medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and responding positively to medical care."
Officers from B Division in Owo raced to the scene after receiving a distress call. The Divisional Police Officer led the response team to the village.
A manhunt is now underway across the region. Abayomi told reporters, "A full-scale search-and-rescue operation has since been launched, with police operatives combing surrounding forests, bush paths, and suspected escape routes to locate and rescue the abducted community leader."
Fear has gripped residents of the village. Community members worry about the safety of their monarch.
