Terror in Ondo: Gunmen Invade Palace, Abduct Traditional Ruler and Shoot Queen

The Background:

The rising wave of insecurity and rural kidnappings for ransom hit the traditional institution in Ondo State over the weekend. On Saturday night, June 13, 2026, at approximately 8:00 PM, a gang of about six heavily armed men stormed the residence of Chief Adeniyi Adelana, the 60-year-old traditional ruler (Baale) of the Ode Oriya community in the Owo Local Government Area.

​The Update:

• ​The Attack: The assailants used the cover of darkness to breach the palace. When the monarch's wife attempted to resist or escape, the gunmen shot her in the right hand before forcefully dragging Chief Adelana into the nearby dense forest tracks.

• ​Casualties & Rescue Efforts: The injured Queen was rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where she is currently receiving medical treatment.

• ​Government Response: Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has condemned the attack and ordered an immediate, massive manhunt for the abductors. A coordinated rescue operation has been activated, combining the forces of the Nigerian Police Command (led by CP Felix Ohagwu), the military, and the local Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps.

• ​State of Play: Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that tactical teams are aggressively combing the Owo forests. Preliminary intelligence suggests operatives are making progress, but the monarch remains in captivity.