Bandits abduct traditional ruler in Ondo as attacks on monarchs intensify across Nigeria

Concern is mounting across Nigeria following a renewed wave of attacks targeting traditional rulers, as armed bandits increasingly abduct monarchs and community leaders in what security analysts describe as a growing pattern of high-value kidnappings for ransom.

The latest incident occurred in Ode-Oriya, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, where gunmen stormed the residence of Chief Adeniyi Adelana, the traditional head of the community, and abducted him in a late-night raid on Saturday.

During the attack, the assailants reportedly opened fire to disperse residents, leaving the monarch’s wife with gunshot injuries as she attempted to escape. The attackers then whisked the 60-year-old traditional ruler away through nearby bush paths toward a forest route believed to link Ondo State with neighbouring regions.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the abduction, stating that about six armed men carried out the operation around 8:00 p.m. before fleeing into the forest.

Authorities said a joint security response involving police operatives and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun, has been deployed to track the kidnappers and secure the release of the traditional ruler. Security teams are reportedly using surveillance and tracking operations in the affected forest corridors.

The incident adds to a growing list of attacks on traditional rulers across the country, raising concerns over the safety of community leaders who are increasingly being targeted by kidnapping syndicates.

In recent months, several high-profile abductions have been recorded, including cases in Kwara State where a monarch was released after ransom payment, and in Sokoto State where another traditional leader was killed in captivity despite reported negotiations. These incidents have intensified fears that traditional institutions are becoming frequent targets for organised criminal groups.

Security experts say these abductions often involve ransom demands running into tens of millions of naira, with outcomes varying from release after payment to fatalities in captivity.

The growing insecurity has triggered renewed calls from traditional institutions for improved protection of monarchs and palace installations. The National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria has previously warned that continued attacks on traditional rulers undermine local security structures, as monarchs are often considered key custodians of grassroots intelligence.

Local stakeholders are now urging federal and state authorities to deploy more structured protection mechanisms for rural communities and traditional institutions, particularly in areas affected by recurring bandit activity

As of press time, security operatives were still combing forest areas around Owo in an effort to locate the abducted traditional ruler and apprehend the attackers. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm while investigations and rescue operations continue

A video report highlights previous cases of abducted community leaders and examines how rural communities are responding to the increasing wave of kidnappings targeting traditional institutions across Nigeria.