Terrorists attack Ondo community, kidnap monarch, shoot wife

Monarch Abducted in Ondo: Gunmen Kidnap Traditional Ruler, Injure Wife in Palace Attack

The traditional ruler of Ode Oriya Village in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Chief Adeniyi Adelana, has been abducted by suspected gunmen following a violent attack on his palace.

According to reports, the incident occurred on Saturday night when heavily armed assailants stormed the monarch’s residence, causing panic among residents and palace occupants. Witnesses said the attackers opened fire indiscriminately before forcefully whisking away the traditional ruler to an undisclosed location.

The attack left several residents traumatized, while the monarch’s wife sustained a gunshot wound to her right hand during the invasion. She was subsequently rescued and rushed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Jimoh Abayomi, disclosed that security operatives responded swiftly after receiving a distress call from the community.

According to the police spokesperson, the injured wife of the monarch is currently receiving medical attention and is responding positively to treatment.

“In the course of the attack, the victim’s wife sustained a gunshot injury on 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,” Abayomi stated.

The police further revealed that a coordinated search-and-rescue operation has been launched to secure the safe release of the abducted traditional ruler.

Abayomi explained that operatives of the Ondo State Police Command, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of B Division, Owo, have been deployed to the area. Security personnel are currently combing surrounding forests, bush paths, and other suspected hideouts believed to be possible escape routes used by the kidnappers.

“Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command led by the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, were mobilised to the scene immediately after the distress call. 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,” he added.

The abduction has sparked concern among residents of Ode Oriya and neighboring communities, who have called on security agencies to intensify efforts toward ensuring the monarch’s safe return. Community leaders have also urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives by providing useful information that could aid the rescue mission.

The latest incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity and the increasing cases of kidnapping in parts of the country. Traditional rulers, community leaders, and prominent citizens have increasingly become targets of criminal elements seeking ransom and other unlawful gains.

As of the time of filing this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, and the whereabouts of Chief Adeniyi Adelana remain unknown. Security agencies have assured the public that every available resource is being deployed to secure his release and bring the perpetrators to justice.