Gunmen Abduct Ondo Traditional Ruler, Shoot Wife During Midnight Raid
Fear and tension have gripped residents of Ode Oriya Community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State following the abduction of the community’s traditional ruler, Adeniyi Adelana, by suspected kidnappers during a violent attack that left his wife nursing a gunshot wound.
Global Mirror News gathered that the incident occurred at about 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, when a group of armed men stormed the residence of the 60-year-old monarch and forcefully whisked him away to an unknown location.
According to reports, the attackers invaded the community under the cover of darkness and dragged the traditional ruler through a nearby bush path after overpowering occupants of the residence.
The wife of the abducted community leader was reportedly shot in the right hand during the assault. She was later rescued and rushed to a medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and is said to be responding positively.
Confirming the incident, spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that security agencies had immediately launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation aimed at securing the monarch’s freedom and apprehending the perpetrators.
“The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has launched a coordinated rescue operation following the abduction of a community leader by suspected kidnappers in Ode Oriya Village, Owo Local Government Area,” Jimoh stated.
He explained that preliminary investigations revealed that about six armed men invaded the residence of the traditional ruler around 8:05 p.m. and forcefully took him away to an unknown destination.
Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, mobilised a joint team of police operatives and other security personnel to the scene. The area was secured while investigators commenced preliminary assessments as part of efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Global Mirror News learned that security operatives have intensified combing operations across nearby forests, bush paths and suspected escape routes believed to have been used by the kidnappers.
The police also confirmed that tactical deployments have been reinforced across Owo and adjoining communities to strengthen surveillance and improve operational effectiveness.
Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu has directed all tactical units, intelligence officers and operational teams within the command to intensify efforts toward the swift rescue of the abducted monarch and the arrest of those responsible for the crime.
Authorities assured residents that every available security resource is being deployed to ensure the victim’s safe return and to bring the kidnappers to justice.
The police further appealed to members of the public to remain calm, continue their lawful activities and promptly report any suspicious movements or information that could aid ongoing rescue efforts.
The latest abduction adds to growing concerns over the rising wave of kidnapping and violent crimes in parts of Ondo State, with security agencies facing increasing pressure to curb criminal activities and restore public confidence.
As the search operation continues, residents of Ode Oriya and neighbouring communities remain hopeful for the safe release of their traditional ruler.
