Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed the monarch of Agamọ Community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Kehinde Falodun, during a failed abduction attempt.
The traditional ruler was reportedly attacked on Wednesday evening when about 10 armed men stormed his palace in a bid to kidnap him. A community source said the monarch resisted the attempt.
According to the source, the assailants allegedly shot at the monarch several times but the bullets did not penetrate. The attackers were said to have then struck his head with a heavy object, leading to his death.
However, confirming the incident in a statement on Thursday, the Ondo State Police Command said the victim was later found a few metres away with gunshot wounds and was confirmed dead at the scene.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Abayomi Jimoh, said the Divisional Police Officer, alongside tactical teams, immediately mobilised officers in collaboration with local security outfits following the report.
He said operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, Atuluse Security and local hunters assisted in combing adjoining bushes and surrounding areas in an effort to apprehend the perpetrators.
“Monitoring and surveillance activities have been intensified across the area to ensure the safety of residents and prevent further breakdown of law and order,” Jimoh stated, assuring that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The killing has heightened concerns over rising insecurity in Akure North.
The incident comes weeks after suspected bandits attacked Ayede Community in the same local government area and abducted a pregnant woman, Mrs Mary Jesulayomi, who was later released after a ransom was reportedly paid.
Days after that attack, the Ondo State Security Network Agency arrested 12 men suspected of involvement in banditry in the area.
Residents have called on security agencies to intensify operations and restore peace to affected communities in Akure North.
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