The traditional ruler of Agamọ Community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Kehinde Falodun, has been killed by suspected bandits.
The monarch was reportedly attacked on Wednesday evening after gunmen stormed his palace in an attempt to abduct him. A source in the community said about 10 armed men invaded the palace and tried to forcefully take the monarch away, but he resisted.
The source added that the assailants shot at the monarch several times, but the bullets allegedly failed to penetrate. The attackers were said to have later struck him on the head with a heavy object, leading to his death.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, said an investigation had been launched and efforts were ongoing to arrest the suspects.
According to him, the monarch’s body was later found a few metres away with gunshot wounds, and he was confirmed dead at the scene.
Jimoh said the Divisional Police Officer, alongside tactical teams, immediately mobilised operatives in collaboration with local security outfits to comb surrounding bushes and nearby areas.
He added that Amotekun operatives, local hunters, Atuluse Security, and other vigilante groups joined in the search for the fleeing attackers.
“Monitoring and surveillance activities have been intensified across the area to ensure the safety of residents and prevent further breakdown of law and order,” he said, assuring that those responsible would be brought to justice.
The killing 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.
Following that incident, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun, arrested 12 suspects believed to be involved in banditry in the area.
Meanwhile, residents have raised concerns over worsening insecurity in Akure North, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace in the affected communities.
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