The Ondo State Government has assured residents of intensified efforts to secure the safe release of a kidnapped traditional leader, Mr. Adeniyi Adelana, the Baale of Ode Oriya Village in Owo Local Government Area, who was abducted by suspected gunmen on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, the government said all necessary security and intelligence mechanisms had been activated to ensure the prompt rescue of the 60-year-old community leader.
Ajanaku disclosed that security agencies, including the Police and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, have launched coordinated search-and-rescue operations across strategic locations within and around the area of the incident.
He noted that the swift response by security operatives reflects the state’s sustained investment in strengthening its security architecture, particularly through the deployment of modern intelligence-gathering tools such as surveillance drones and other technological assets.
According to him, preliminary intelligence reports indicate that operatives are making significant progress in tracking the abductors, expressing confidence that ongoing operations would lead to the safe recovery of the victim and the apprehension of those responsible.
The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s administration to the protection of lives and property, stressing that security agencies had been directed to deploy all available resources towards resolving the incident.
He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, while calling on members of the public to provide credible information that could aid security efforts, assuring that the government would continue to take decisive steps to sustain peace and security across the state.