The Ondo State Police Command has launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of a community leader, Mr. Adeniyi Adelana, the Baale of Ode Oriya Village in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident, noting that a full-scale manhunt had been activated to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and the arrest of those responsible.

Preliminary reports indicate that at about 8:05 p.m., a group of about six armed men stormed the residence of the 60-year-old community leader under the cover of darkness.

The attackers reportedly invaded the compound and forcefully whisked him away through a nearby bush path to an unknown destination.

During the attack, the victim’s wife sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand. She was promptly rescued and taken to a medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and responding positively.

The police statement reads in full:
“The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Oladipo Ohagwu, psc, mnips, mspsp, has launched a coordinated rescue operation following the abduction of a community leader by suspected kidnappers in Ode Oriya Village, Owo Local Government Area of the State.

“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 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.

“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), B Division, Owo, immediately mobilized a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel to the scene. The area was swiftly secured and a preliminary assessment of the crime scene conducted as part of ongoing investigative efforts.

“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.

“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. Tactical deployments have also been strengthened across the area and adjoining communities to enhance operational effectiveness.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed all tactical units, intelligence assets and operational teams of the Command to intensify efforts toward the swift rescue of the victim and the apprehension of those responsible for the criminal act. The Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that the victim is reunited safely with his family while all those involved face the full weight of the law.

“The Ondo State Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear. Residents are encouraged to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that may aid ongoing operations. Any suspicious movements or activities should be promptly reported to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels.

“The Command reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and reiterates its determination to rid the State of criminal elements. Efforts are being intensified across all fronts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes, while ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Ondo State.

Suspected members of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on Saturday invaded Kautikari village of the Chibok Local Government Area in Borno State, setting primary and day secondary schools ablaze.

Recall that the village has recorded a series of deadly Boko Haram attacks in recent times.

Sources told our correspondent that the incident, which erupted at about 7 p.m. on Saturday, forced residents to flee the community into the bush for safety.

A security personnel, who hail from Kautikari but based in Maiduguri, confirmed the fresh attack.

However, he said, details of casualties are yet to be ascertained.

“Yes, I can confirm to you that our village (Kautikari) in the Chibok Local Government Area is under Boko Haram attack.

“Our people are scampering for safety, even as two schools (primary and day secondary school) are on fire,” he said.

Efforts to get confirmation from the police public relations officer, ASP Keneth Daso, proved abortive at press time. (Vanguard)

A heartbreaking and gruesome account detailing the abduction, systematic abuse, and eventual murder of a 23-year-old girl by armed bandits has triggered intense public outrage and a fierce condemnation of the nation’s security architecture.

According to the account shared widely on social media platforms on Saturday, the young victim was seized by criminal gangs who placed a non-negotiable ₦50 million ransom demand on her life.

For two consecutive weeks, the victim’s father reportedly sold off assets and borrowed heavily from multiple sources to accumulate the exact ransom amount. Upon securing the total sum, the desperate father contacted the kidnappers to verify his daughter’s welfare before dropping off the cash.

During the brief phone conversation, the heavily traumatized girl reportedly urged her father to withhold the ransom money, stating that she would take her own life if released due to the severe, continuous sexual assault and torture she endured daily throughout her fourteen days in captivity.

Upon overhearing her statement, the bandits summarily executed the 23-year-old girl with a gunshot to the head.

The criminal syndicate subsequently transmitted graphic video recordings and photographs of her final moments directly to her family members.

The horrific incident has transcended political debates, igniting widespread grief and fury across the country.

Citizens and human rights defenders are directing intense criticism toward government officials and security agencies for failing to protect vulnerable citizens, demanding an immediate military offensive against bandit strongholds to halt the continuous victimization of young women in rural and urban communities.