Traditional ruler of Ode Oriya in Owo LGA whisked away by armed assailants as police launch massive rescue operation across forests and bush paths.
Tension has gripped Ode Oriya Village in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State following the abduction of the community’s traditional ruler, Adeniyi Adelana, by suspected gunmen.
The attackers, reportedly six in number, stormed the monarch’s palace around 8:00 p.m. on Friday and forcefully took him away through a nearby bush path.
During the attack, the monarch’s wife was shot in her right hand. She was rescued and rushed to a medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and responding positively.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said officers were immediately deployed to the area after receiving a distress call.
According to him, a full-scale search-and-rescue operation is underway, with security operatives combing forests, bush paths, and suspected escape routes to locate the abducted monarch. He added that tactical deployments have been strengthened across Owo and neighbouring communities to aid the rescue effort and improve security.