Key Points

• Armed men abducted Adeniyi Adelana, the Baale of Ode Oriya community in Owo LGA of Ondo State, at approximately 8:05 p.m. Saturday, fleeing with him through a bush path.
• His wife was shot in the right hand during the attack and is receiving medical treatment; police have launched a search-and-rescue operation.
• The abduction follows the February killing of another Ondo monarch, highlighting a pattern of violence against traditional rulers in the state.

Gunmen have kidnapped Adeniyi Adelana, the Baale of Ode Oriya community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, the state police command confirmed Sunday.

Police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh said six armed men stormed the traditional ruler’s residence at about 8:05 p.m. Saturday, overpowered occupants and fled with Adelana through a nearby bush path. His wife sustained a gunshot wound to her right hand during the attack and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility.

Search operation launched

A combined team of police operatives and other security agencies has since launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation to free the monarch and apprehend his abductors. State Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu ordered all tactical units, intelligence assets and operational teams to prioritize the mission.

“The commissioner of police has directed all tactical units, intelligence assets and operational teams of the command to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and bring those responsible to justice,” Jimoh stated.

No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction as of Sunday evening, and police have not disclosed whether a ransom demand has been received.

Pattern of attacks on Ondo monarchs

The kidnapping marks the latest in a series of violent incidents targeting traditional rulers in Ondo State. In February, gunmen killed Kehinde Jacob Faledon, the traditional ruler of Agamo community in Akure North LGA, after invading his palace. Security analysts have repeatedly warned that rural communities in the state remain exposed to armed criminal activity, with traditional rulers increasingly becoming targets.

Owo LGA, where Saturday’s abduction occurred, has previously witnessed high-profile attacks, including a June 2022 mass shooting at St. Francis Catholic Church that killed dozens of worshippers and drew national condemnation.

Authorities have not linked the Ode Oriya abduction to any broader insurgent or criminal network. Investigations are ongoing.