Gunmen Kidnap Ondo Monarch, Shoot Wife During Palace Raid

Gunmen Kidnap Ondo Monarch, Shoot Wife During Palace Raid

Tension has gripped Ode Oriya community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State following the abduction of the traditional ruler, Adeniyi Adelana, by suspected gunmen.

The monarch was reportedly kidnapped on Friday night when armed assailants stormed his palace and whisked him away to an unknown destination.

According to residents, the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on June 13, 2026, when about six heavily armed men invaded the community and launched the attack.

Eyewitness accounts indicated that the attackers forcefully seized the monarch and fled through a nearby bush path, leaving residents in fear and confusion.

During the attack, the monarch’s wife sustained a gunshot wound to her right hand after the assailants opened fire.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, said the injured woman was rescued and taken to a 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,” the police spokesman stated.

Jimoh disclosed that police operatives attached to the B Division in Owo were immediately mobilised to the scene following a distress call.

He said a comprehensive search-and-rescue operation had been launched to locate the abducted monarch and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

According to him, security personnel are combing surrounding forests, bush paths and suspected escape routes in an effort to rescue the traditional ruler unharmed.

The police also announced the reinforcement of tactical deployments across the affected community and neighbouring areas to strengthen security and prevent further attacks.

Residents have expressed concern over the rising insecurity in parts of the state, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the monarch’s release and restore confidence among the people.

As of the time of filing this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the abduction, while investigations into the incident were ongoing.