By Adegbaju Temitope 

Tension gripped residents of the Pelebe area in Ogunti Camp, Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday night following the abduction of a woman and the shooting of her husband by suspected gunmen.

The attack, which occurred at about 8:45 p.m. along Oda Road, threw the quiet settlement into panic as residents fled upon hearing gunshots.

According to eyewitnesses, the couple was outside their residence when the assailants struck under the cover of darkness.

The gunmen reportedly shot the husband in the process and whisked his wife away to an unknown destination.

Neighbours who rushed to the scene after the attackers fled found the man wounded.

He was subsequently taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment, while security agencies were alerted.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the Command had commenced operations to rescue the abducted woman and apprehend the suspects.

In a statement, the Command disclosed that the incident involved one Adesida Daniel, a tomato farmer in Isagba Community along Oda Road.

The victim reportedly sustained a gunshot injury to his right hand while attempting to resist the attackers who abducted his wife.

The police said operatives swiftly responded to a distress call, evacuated the injured man to the Police Clinic for medical attention, and secured the area.

The Commissioner of Police has ordered intensified patrols, bush combing operations, and enhanced intelligence gathering within the affected area and adjoining communities to track down the fleeing suspects.

The Command condemned the criminal act and assured residents that every effort was being made to bring the perpetrators to justice.

It urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements to the nearest police station.