Gunmen Abduct Ondo Traditional Ruler, Shoot Wife in Palace Attack

Suspected kidnappers have abducted Adeniyi Adelana, the 60-year-old Baale of Odo-Oriya community in Owo LGA, Ondo State, and shot his wife during an attack on his palace Saturday night.

Ondo Police Command spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident in a statement.

According to police, about six armed men stormed Adelana’s residence in Ode Oriya Village around 8:05 p.m., overpowered security, and whisked him away through a bush path.

The assailants also shot the monarch’s wife in the right hand. She was rescued and is receiving treatment at a nearby hospital, with doctors saying she is responding positively.

The DPO of B Division, Owo, led a joint team of police and other security operatives to the scene immediately after the distress call. The area was secured and a search-and-rescue operation launched across nearby forests and suspected escape routes.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed all tactical and intelligence units to intensify efforts toward the swift rescue of the victim and arrest of the perpetrators,” Jimoh said.

Police urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information to aid ongoing operations.

*Pattern of attacks in Ondo*  

The abduction adds to a string of violent incidents in the state. Earlier this month, gunmen attacked Igbosi Community in Idogun, Ose LGA, injuring residents, destroying buildings, and abducting 9-year-old Oluwatobi, son of a popular pastor.

In March 2026, armed men raided a government health centre in Oke Ijebu, Akure, and abducted at least six health workers around 2:00 a.m. The same month, kidnappers seized a council official and another victim in Akure North and demanded ransom.

In a separate incident, a health worker was shot dead in Akure while his son was abducted. In February 2026, a couple was abducted in Ilu-Abo, Akure North. In 2025, a Federal Medical Centre, Owo staff member was also taken from his home.

Residents continue to call for stronger security presence and urgent government action to curb armed groups across Ondo.