A community leader, Mr. Adeniyi Adelana, has been abducted by suspected kidnappers in Ode Oriya Village, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
According to reports, the incident which occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, some six armed kidnappers stormed the residence of Mr. Adelana.
The assailants reportedly invaded the premises under the cover of darkness and forcefully whisked the victim away through a nearby bush path to an unknown destination.
Following the incident, the Ondo State Police Command immediately launched a coordinated rescue operation aimed at securing the safe release of the community leader and apprehending those responsible for the crime.
Upon receiving the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of B Division, Owo, promptly mobilized a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel to the scene.
The area was swiftly secured, while a preliminary assessment of the crime scene was conducted as part of ongoing investigations.
During the attack, the victim’s wife sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand.
She was immediately rescued and taken to a nearby medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and responding positively to medical attention.
The Police Command disclosed that a comprehensive search-and-rescue operation was activated immediately after the abduction.
Security operatives have since been combing nearby forests, bush paths and suspected escape routes in a determined effort to track the movement of the kidnappers, secure the victim’s release and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Tactical deployments have also been reinforced across the affected area and neighbouring communities to strengthen security operations.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State has directed all tactical units, intelligence assets and operational teams of the Command to intensify efforts toward the swift rescue of the victim and the arrest of the suspects.
The Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Mr. Adelana is reunited safely with his family while those involved in the criminal act face the full weight of the law.
The state Police Command has urged residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear.
Members of the public were also encouraged to cooperate with agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations.
Suspicious movements or activities should be promptly reported to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels.
The Command further reassured residents of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, stressing its determination to rid the state of criminal elements.
It noted that efforts are being intensified across all fronts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes while ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Ondo State