Kidnappers Release Ondo Monarch, Seize Elder Brother as Substitute Over Unpaid Ransom

The peaceful Ode-Oriya Community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State was thrown into mourning and uncertainty following the abduction of its traditional ruler, the Bale of Ode-Oriya, by suspected armed kidnappers in June 2026. The incident, which later led to the disappearance of the monarch’s elder brother during a ransom negotiation, has left residents deeply concerned over the worsening security situation in the area.

According to information gathered, the attack occurred on Saturday, June 13, 2026, between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The Bale had just returned home from town and had been at his palace for less than 30 minutes. While he was having his evening meal, a member of the community arrived at the palace to pay him a visit. The visitor was informed that the monarch was eating and decided to wait outside.

Moments later, the calm atmosphere was shattered by the sound of heavy gunfire. A group of heavily armed bandits reportedly stormed the palace, firing sporadically before forcing their way into the monarch’s residence. The attackers attempted to abduct the Bale, but his wife courageously resisted by holding tightly to her husband’s legs in an effort to prevent the kidnappers from taking him away.

During the struggle, one of the gunmen allegedly shot the Bale’s wife in the hand before forcibly taking the monarch away. Community members immediately alerted security agencies, but by the time security personnel arrived, the kidnappers had already escaped with the traditional ruler.

The following day, the kidnappers established contact with the monarch’s family and demanded a ransom of ₦100 million for his release. After several days of negotiations and appeals by family members, the ransom demand was reduced to ₦30 million.

On June 24, 2026, the Bale’s elder brother, Prince Adelana Adebanji, accompanied by one of the monarch’s sons, reportedly set out to deliver ₦10 million to the kidnappers. However, only Prince Adebanji proceeded to the agreed location to hand over the money, while the monarch’s son remained some distance away for safety reasons.

After collecting the ₦10 million, the kidnappers released the Bale but, in a shocking turn of events, detained Prince Adelana Adebanji in his place. The following day, the abductors contacted the family again, insisting that the agreed ransom remained ₦30 million and that the ₦10 million payment was insufficient. They demanded the outstanding balance before Prince Adebanji could regain his freedom.

As efforts to secure his release continued, another ransom payment was reportedly arranged on July 8, 2026. This time, the money was delivered through a man identified as a member of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun.

Unfortunately, the operation ended in tragedy after a gun battle reportedly broke out between the Amotekun operative and the kidnappers. During the exchange of fire, two suspected kidnappers were killed, while others escaped into the surrounding forest.

Despite the confrontation, Prince Adelana Adebanji was not rescued. Reports indicate that the kidnappers had not taken him to the exact location where the security operative was directed to deliver the ransom, making it impossible for the rescue team to locate him.

Sources disclosed that the first ransom payment for the Bale’s release was delivered in Uso, around the Ogbese axis of Ondo State, while the second operation took place nea Ilu-AboTown, close to the Akure Airport area.

Since the failed ransom operation, the kidnappers have reportedly ceased all communication with the family, and there has been no further contact regarding Prince Adelana Adebanji’s whereabouts.

As of the time of filing this report, the Bale has regained his freedom, but his elder brother remains missing. Family members and residents of Oriya Community continue to appeal to security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and rescue Prince Adelana Adebanji while bringing those responsible for the attacks to justice.

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