By Lateef Ibrahim
Palpable fears and tension have gripped the residents of Ode Oriya Village in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, following the abduction of the community’s traditional ruler, Oba Adeniyi Adelana, by suspected gunmen.
The suspected gunmen were said to have stormed the palace of the monarch at about 8:00 pm on Friday June, 12 and took him away.
Eye witness accounts revealed that the armed assailants, numbering about six, stormed the community and forcefully whisked the traditional ruler away through a nearby bush path.
The suspects also reportedly shot the monarch’s wife in her right hand.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday.
According to the statement by Jimoh, “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.”
The police Spokesperson further disclosed that operatives of the Ondo State Police Command, led by the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, were swiftly mobilised to the scene following a distress call.
“A full-scale search-and-rescue operation has since been launched, with police operatives combing surrounding forests, bush paths, and suspected escape routes to locate and rescue the abducted community leader,’’ Jimoh said.
“Tactical deployments have also been strengthened across the area and adjoining communities to enhance operational effectiveness”, he added.
