Terrorists Abduct Ondo Community Ruler, Wife Injured in Palace Attack

Owo, Ondo State — Suspected terrorists have abducted the traditional ruler of Odo-Oriya community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Adeniyi Adelana, during a late-night attack on his residence.

The 60-year-old community leader was reportedly taken away on Saturday evening after armed men stormed his palace and forced him into a nearby forest. The incident has heightened concerns over the persistent security challenges facing communities in parts of Ondo State.

According to the Ondo State Police Command, the attack occurred at about 8:05 p.m. when approximately six armed men invaded the monarch’s residence under the cover of darkness. The assailants reportedly whisked the traditional ruler away to an unknown destination through a bush path close to the palace.

The attack also left the monarch’s wife injured. Police authorities confirmed that she sustained a gunshot wound to her right hand during the incident. She was subsequently rescued and taken to a medical facility, where she is receiving treatment and is said to be responding positively.

Following the abduction, security operatives launched an extensive search-and-rescue operation. The Divisional Police Officer in Owo reportedly mobilized a joint team of police personnel and other security agencies to secure the area and begin investigations immediately after receiving a distress report.

Police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh stated that security teams are combing surrounding forests, bush paths, and suspected escape routes in an effort to locate the abducted traditional ruler and apprehend those responsible for the attack. Additional tactical deployments have also been made in neighbouring communities to strengthen security and support ongoing rescue efforts.

Residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist in the rescue operation. Authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to secure the safe release of the monarch and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The latest incident adds to growing concerns about insecurity and kidnappings in parts of Ondo State, where communities have repeatedly called for stronger security measures to protect lives and property.