Gunmen Abduct Ondo Baale, Injure Wife in Night Raid on Palace

Suspected armed kidnappers have abducted the Baale of Odo-Oriya community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Adeniyi Adelana, after storming his palace in a late-night attack.

The 60-year-old traditional ruler was seized on Saturday night when armed men invaded his residence under the cover of darkness and whisked him away through a bush path.

During the assault, his wife was shot in the right hand and later rescued by security operatives. She is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility and is said to be responding to care.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying the attackers struck around 8:05 p.m. in what appeared to be a coordinated operation by about six armed men.

Police spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said the assailants forcefully entered the palace and abducted the traditional ruler before escaping through nearby forest routes.

He added that operatives were immediately deployed to the scene after a distress call, while the area was secured for preliminary investigation.

According to him, a joint search-and-rescue operation has been launched, with security teams combing surrounding forests and suspected escape routes in a bid to rescue the victim and apprehend the attackers.

The Commissioner of Police has also ordered tactical and intelligence units to intensify efforts, assuring that all those involved would be brought to justice.

The command urged residents to remain calm, go about their lawful activities, and provide credible information that could assist ongoing operations.

The attack adds to rising concerns over insecurity in parts of Ondo State, where cases of kidnapping and armed violence have continued to escalate in recent months.

Earlier incidents include attacks on rural communities in Ose and Akure North local government areas, where residents have been killed, abducted, or displaced.

Authorities say operations have been stepped up across affected communities as security agencies attempt to curb the growing wave of abductions in the state.