The Ondo State Police Command has launched a coordinated search and rescue operation following the abduction of a community leader, Chief Adeniyi Adelana, in Ode Oriya Village, Owo Local Government Area of the state.
Adelana, 60, who is the Baale of Ode Oriya community, was reportedly kidnapped by about six armed men who stormed his residence under the cover of darkness and whisked him away through a nearby bush path to an unknown destination.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said security operatives were immediately mobilised after receiving a distress call.
According to him, the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, led a combined team of police personnel and other security agents to secure the area and commence investigations.
Jimoh disclosed that the victim’s wife sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand during the attack. She was rescued and taken to a medical facility, where she is receiving treatment and responding positively.
He added that a full-scale rescue operation had been activated, with security operatives combing surrounding forests, bush paths and suspected escape routes in a determined effort to secure the safe release of the traditional leader and apprehend his abductors.
The command also said tactical deployments had been reinforced across the area and neighbouring communities to enhance security and prevent further attacks.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government has assured residents that all necessary measures are being taken to secure the release of the abducted community leader.
The government said security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps, are collaborating closely in the ongoing operation.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and provide useful information that could assist security agencies in rescuing the victim and bringing those responsible to justice.
