By Monsurat Abisoye
Armed men suspected to be bandits have abducted the traditional head of Olariya in Ode-Oriya village, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Chief Adeniyi Adelana.
The 60-year-old monarch was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday night at about 8 p.m. after the attackers invaded his residence. During the invasion, his wife sustained a gunshot injury while attempting to escape.
A community source said about six armed men stormed the compound, opened fire and whisked the traditional ruler away through a nearby bush path. The assailants reportedly targeted the chief specifically, operating under the cover of darkness, which caused panic in the community, with some residents reportedly fleeing the village.
The source further noted that the attackers shot the monarch’s wife when she tried to escape, describing the incident as distressing.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said coordinated search-and-rescue operations had been launched to secure the monarch’s release.
He explained that preliminary findings showed the gunmen invaded the residence at night and forcefully took the victim through a bush path to an unknown location. He added that the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, promptly mobilised police operatives alongside other security personnel to the scene.
According to him, the area was secured, and a preliminary assessment of the crime scene was conducted as investigations continue. He also confirmed that the victim’s wife sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand, was rescued and taken to a medical facility, where she is receiving treatment and responding positively.
Abayomi stated that a full-scale search operation has been activated, with security operatives combing surrounding forests, bush paths and possible escape routes to track down the abductors and rescue the monarch.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has also ordered tactical and intelligence units to intensify efforts towards the swift rescue of the traditional ruler and the arrest of those responsible.
The police assured residents of ongoing efforts to secure the victim’s safe return and urged the public to remain calm, continue lawful activities and provide useful information to support the operation, stressing that community vigilance is essential in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.
