By Our Correspondent
Suspected kidnappers have abducted the traditional head of Odo-Oriya community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mr Adeniyi Adelana, prompting an intensive rescue operation by security agencies.
Adelana, 60, who is the Olariya (Baale) of Odo-Oriya Village, was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday night at his residence and palace in the community.
According to preliminary reports, the assailants, numbering about six and armed with guns, stormed the monarch’s residence at about 8.05 p.m., operating under the cover of darkness before forcibly taking him away through a nearby bush path to an unknown destination.
Confirming the incident, the spokesman of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command had launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation to secure the victim’s release and apprehend those responsible.
“The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Oladipo Ohagwu, has launched a coordinated rescue operation following the abduction of a community leader by suspected kidnappers in Ode Oriya Village, Owo Local Government Area of the state,” Jimoh said.
He disclosed that the victim’s wife sustained a gunshot wound to her right hand during the attack and was immediately taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
“In the course of the attack, the victim’s wife sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand.
She was promptly rescued and taken to a nearby medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and responding positively to medical care,” he stated.
Jimoh said that upon receiving the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, mobilised a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel to the scene.
He explained that the area was secured while investigators conducted a preliminary assessment as part of ongoing efforts to track down the kidnappers.
The police spokesman added that security operatives had commenced an extensive search of nearby forests, bush paths and suspected escape routes in a bid to locate the abductors and ensure the safe release of the traditional ruler.
He further stated that tactical deployments had been reinforced across the affected area and neighbouring communities to strengthen ongoing operations.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police has directed all tactical units, intelligence assets and operational teams within the command to intensify efforts towards the swift rescue of the community leader and the arrest of the suspects.
Jimoh urged residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, while appealing to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in the ongoing operation.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and assured residents that efforts were being intensified to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ondo State.
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