According to the police, the incident occurred at about 8:05 p.m. when approximately six armed men invaded the monarch’s residence under the cover of darkness.

“Preliminary reports indicate that at about 8:05 p.m. on the reported date, a group of approximately six armed men stormed the residence of Mr. Adeniyi Adelana, aged 60, the Baale of Ode Oriya Village,” the statement read.

“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.”

Jimoh said the monarch’s wife sustained a gunshot wound during the attack but was rescued and rushed 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,” he added.

The command said security operatives had commenced a comprehensive search-and-rescue operation aimed at securing the safe release of the traditional ruler.

Following the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, was said to have mobilised a joint team of police personnel and other security operatives to the scene.

“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of B Division, Owo, immediately mobilized a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel to the scene,” the statement said.

“A comprehensive search-and-rescue operation was immediately activated, with security operatives combing nearby forests, bush paths, and suspected escape routes in a determined effort to track the movement of the kidnappers, secure the victim’s safe release, and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The police added that tactical deployments had been reinforced in the area and neighbouring communities to improve security and support ongoing operations.

The Commissioner of Police in the state was said to have directed all tactical units, intelligence assets and operational teams to intensify efforts to rescue the monarch and arrest those behind the abduction.

According to the command, the police remain committed to ensuring the victim is reunited with his family while those responsible face prosecution.

The command also urged residents to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities, while encouraging them to provide credible information that could aid the rescue effort.

The abduction is the latest in a series of violent attacks and kidnappings that have heightened concerns among residents across Ondo State.

Earlier this month, gunmen reportedly invaded Igbosi Community in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area, injuring several residents, destroying properties and abducting a nine-year-old boy identified as Oluwatobi, the son of a pastor.

In March, armed men allegedly stormed a government-owned primary health centre in the Oke Ijebu area of Akure and abducted at least six health workers during a midnight operation.

The same month, kidnappers reportedly abducted a council official and another resident in Akure North Local Government Area and demanded ransom for their release.

A health worker was also reportedly shot dead in Akure while his son was abducted, while another couple was kidnapped in Ilu-Abo community in Akure North in February.

“While the terrorists have done their worst, the government will never bow to their demand to release their members held by our security agencies,” the President said.

Reiterating his stance on June 12, Tinubu warned, “Bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State.

“These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. And no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” Tinubu said.

While reassuring Nigerians that the enemies of the nation would soon become history, the President urged citizens to remain united.

“General Abubakar’s death should further serve as a defining moment in our battle against terrorists and insurgents.

“We must never negotiate with them on any terms, but continue to treat them as the greatest enemies of our dear nation who should never be spared,” Tinubu stated.

The abductions occurred during attacks on the Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinle on May 15. Acknowledging the pain and anxiety experienced by parents and relatives of the abductees, Makinde recognized that the prolonged wait has been difficult.

Makinde expressed understanding of the concerns within the affected communities, indicating that assurances from the government may not alleviate the worries of families awaiting the safe return of their loved ones.

The governor, however, maintained that security agencies are working round the clock to bring the victims home safely.

“Every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees,” he said.

He explained that intelligence available to the government indicates that the victims are still within the wider Old Oyo National Park corridor.

Makinde noted that the vast forest, which stretches across about 2,500 square kilometres and cuts across several local government areas, has created major operational challenges for security personnel.

According to him, the difficult terrain requires careful planning, strategic coordination and patience to avoid putting the lives of the captives at further risk.

The governor also appealed to residents to remain alert and report suspicious movements to security authorities through the state’s toll-free emergency line, stressing that useful information from members of the public could assist ongoing operations.