Oba Kehinde Falodun, the ruler of the Agamọ Community in Ondo State’s Akure North Local Government Area, was allegedly murdered by suspected bandits.
According to reports, the traditional ruler was killed on Wednesday night while fending off the gunmen’s attempt to kidnap him.
A community source said roughly ten armed men broke into the palace and tried to abduct the monarch, but he resisted.
The source claims that after the attackers reportedly fired several shots at him without penetrating, they allegedly strucked his head with a heavy weapon, which killed him.
In a statement released on Thursday, Mr. Abayomi Jimoh, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Ondo State Police Command, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation had commenced into the matter.
He said that efforts were being made to track down and apprehend the fugitives.
“The victim was later found a few metres away with gunshot wounds. He was confirmed dead at the scene.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), alongside tactical teams from the command, promptly mobilised officers in collaboration with local security outfits.
“Atuluse Security, local hunters, and Amotekun operatives also assisted in combing adjoining bushes and surrounding areas in a bid to apprehend the perpetrators. Efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
“Monitoring and surveillance activities have been intensified across the area to ensure the safety of residents and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
“The public is assured that no stone will be left unturned in bringing those responsible for the heinous act to justice,” he said.
According to reports, the incident occurred weeks after suspected bandits stormed Ayede Community in the same local government area, kidnapping Mrs. Mary Jesulayomi, a pregnant woman, and releasing her after allegedly paying a ransom.
12 guys who were allegedly involved in local banditry were taken into custody by the Ondo State Security Network Agency, better known as Amotekun, a few days after the incident.
The increasing level of insecurity in Akure North has alarmed locals, who have urged security forces to step up their efforts to bring calm back to the affected areas.
