Police in Ondo State have launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation after a community leader, Adeniyi Adelana, was abducted by armed men in Owo Local Government Area.
The victim, identified as the Baale of Ode Oriya/Ode Eriya village, was taken on Friday night when gunmen numbering about six reportedly stormed the community at around 8:00 pm.
The assailants were said to have invaded the monarch’s residence under cover of darkness before whisking him away through a nearby bush path to an unknown destination.
During the attack, the wife of the abducted leader sustained a gunshot wound to her right hand. She was rescued and taken to a medical facility where she is receiving treatment and responding to care, according to police authorities.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, noting that operatives, including the Divisional Police Officer of B Division in Owo, were immediately deployed following a distress call.
Police said tactical teams are currently combing surrounding forests, bush paths and suspected escape routes as part of efforts to locate and rescue the victim. Additional security deployments have also been made across adjoining communities.
Authorities urged residents to remain calm and continue lawful activities while cooperating with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
Channels Television reported that tension has grown in the affected community as search efforts continue.
