The Ondo State Police Command has launched a coordinated rescue operation for the Baale (traditional leader) of Ode Oriya Village in Owo Local Government Area following his abduction by armed men.
Mr. Adeniyi Adelana, aged 60, was kidnapped on Saturday, June 13, at about 8:50 pm when six armed men stormed his residence. The assailants reportedly whisked him away through a nearby bush path to an unknown destination.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that a rescue operation was immediately activated following a distress call.
“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of B Division, Owo, swiftly mobilized a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel to the scene,” Jimoh said.
He added that the area was promptly secured and a preliminary assessment of the crime scene conducted.
During the attack, the victim’s wife sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand. She was quickly evacuated to a nearby hospital, where she is receiving treatment and responding well to medical care.
“A comprehensive search-and-rescue operation has been activated, with security operatives combing nearby forests, bush paths, and suspected escape routes in a determined effort to locate and secure the safe release of the victim while apprehending the kidnappers,” the statement read.
The Command has also strengthened tactical deployments across the area and adjoining communities.
The Ondo State Commissioner of Police has directed all tactical units, intelligence assets, and operational teams to intensify efforts toward the swift rescue of the victim and the arrest of the perpetrators.
The Command stated its commitment to ensuring the victim is safely reunited with his family and that those responsible are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, the police urged members of the public to remain calm and go about their lawful activities without fear, while calling on residents to provide credible information that could assist ongoing operations.