The Ondo State Police Command has launched a manhunt for gunmen who abducted a community leader, Adeniyi Adelana, from Ode Oriya Village in Owo Local Government Area of the state. Adelana, the 60-year-old Baale of the community, was reportedly kidnapped on Friday night when armed assailants stormed his residence and whisked him away through a nearby bush path.

Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said operatives were immediately deployed to the area following a distress call, with a full-scale search-and-rescue operation now underway. Tactical teams have also been deployed across the community and surrounding areas.

During the attack, the victim’s wife sustained a gunshot wound to her right hand and is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility.

The police urged residents to remain calm and assist security agencies with credible information that could aid ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted community leader and apprehend the perpetrators.