Crime Watch:
Police Launch Massive Manhunt For Gunmen Who Abducted Ondo Community Leader
The suspects also reportedly shot the monarch's wife in her right hand.
Photo of Mr. Adeniyi Adelana, traditional ruler of Ode Eriya village in Owo Local Government
Police authorities in Ondo have “launched a coordinated rescue operation”, a manhunt for gunmen who abducted a community leader, Adeniyi Adelana, in Ode Oriya Village, Owo Local Government Area of the state.
Adelana, 60 and Baale Ode Eriya village, was abducted on Friday.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday.
“The assailants reportedly invaded the premises under the cover of darkness and forcefully whisked the victim away through a nearby bush path to an unknown destination,” the police statement read in part.
Jimoh also disclosed that operatives of the Ondo State Police Command, led by the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, were swiftly mobilised to the scene following a 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 said.
“Tactical deployments have also been strengthened across the area and adjoining communities to enhance operational effectiveness.”
Giving further details about the incident, he said: “In the course of the attack, the victim’s wife sustained a gunshot injury to 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.”
While there is growing tension in the community, police have urged the public to “remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear”.
“Residents are encouraged to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that may aid ongoing operations,” the Ondo Police Command said.
The armed assailants were said to have stormed the palace of the monarch at about 8:00 pm on Friday, June 13, 2026, and taken him away.
Locals say the assailants, numbering about six, stormed the community and forcefully whisked the traditional ruler away through a nearby bush path.
