Jun 14, 2026

Gunmen Abduct Ondo Baale, Shoot Wife During Night Attack

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Akure, Ondo State – June 14, 2026— Gunmen have abducted Adeniyi Adelana, the 60-year-old Baale of Ode Oriya community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, after shooting his wife during a violent night raid on his residence.

According to a statement by the Ondo State Police Command, the incident occurred at about 8:05 pm on Saturday, June 13, 2026, when approximately six heavily armed men stormed the traditional ruler’s home under the cover of darkness.

The assailants shot the monarch’s wife before forcefully abducting him and escaping through a nearby bush path into an unknown destination.

The Ondo State Police Command, under Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu, has activated a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving the Divisional Police Officer in Owo, the Nigerian Army, Amotekun corps, local vigilante groups, and intelligence assets including drones.

Security operatives have intensified patrols across Ode Oriya and surrounding communities to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe return of the abducted traditional ruler.

Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that the injured wife is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

No ransom demand has been reported yet, and investigations are ongoing to unravel the motive behind the attack.

The abduction adds to growing concerns over rising kidnappings and armed attacks in Ondo State, particularly in Owo and other rural communities.

Similar incidents in recent weeks have targeted residents and travellers along major routes in the area, heightening fears among locals.

Traditional rulers and community leaders in the Southwest have increasingly become targets of criminal gangs, raising questions about the effectiveness of security measures in rural parts of the state.

Residents of Ode Oriya and neighbouring communities have expressed shock and fear following the attack on their traditional leader.

Security agencies have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through emergency lines.

The police command has assured the public that all necessary resources are being deployed to ensure the quick rescue of the Baale and the arrest of the perpetrators. Further updates are expected as the manhunt progresses.

This latest incident underscores the persistent security challenges facing parts of Ondo State and the urgent need for sustained, intelligence-driven operations to curb the activities of criminal gangs operating in the region.