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.