The Ondo police command says gunmen have abducted Adeniyi Adelana, the Baale of Ode Oriya community in Owo LGA of the state.

In a statement on Sunday, Abayomi Jimoh, police spokesperson in the state, said the traditional ruler was kidnapped at about 8:05pm on Saturday when six armed men invaded his residence and whisked him away through a nearby bush path.

Jimoh said the monarch’s wife sustained a gunshot wound to her right hand during the attack and is receiving treatment at a medical facility.

He said a combined team of police operatives and other security agencies have launched a search-and-rescue operation to secure the monarch’s release and apprehend the kidnappers.

“The commissioner of police, Felix Ohagwu, has directed all tactical units, intelligence assets and operational teams of the command to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and bring those responsible to justice,” the statement reads.

In February, gunmen killed Kehinde Jacob Faledon, the traditional ruler of Agamo community, in Akure north LGA of the state.