BREAKING: Ondo traditional leader kidnapped, police launch search operation

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Police Command has commenced a coordinated search operation following the abduction of a community leader in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

The victim, Mr Adeniyi Adelana, who is the Baale of Ode Oriya Village, was reportedly kidnapped by armed men at about 8:05 p.m. to an unknown destination.

The assailants, said to be about six in number, allegedly stormed the community under the cover of darkness, invaded his residence before escaping through a bush path.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said operatives from the B Division in Owo were immediately deployed to the area after receiving a distress report.

“Upon receipt of the information, the Divisional Police Officer mobilised a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel to the scene. The area was secured while preliminary investigations commenced,” he said.

The command also disclosed that the victim’s wife suffered a gunshot injury to her right hand during the attack and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

“She was promptly rescued and rushed to a medical facility where she is receiving treatment and responding positively to medical care,” Ayanlade stated.

He added that security operatives had intensified efforts to rescue the abducted community leader, noting that tactical teams were combing forests and suspected hideouts to track down the kidnappers and bring them to justice.