Gunmen killed a traditional ruler in Ondo state after he resisted an attempted abduction at his palace, police said Thursday.
Oba Kehinde Falodun, the monarch of Agamọ community in Akure North Local Government Area, was attacked Wednesday evening by about 10 armed men who stormed the palace, according to a community source.
The assailants attempted to kidnap the monarch, but he resisted. When gunshots allegedly failed to penetrate him, the attackers struck him on the head with a heavy object, the source said.
Police confirmed the killing and said the monarch was later found a few meters from the palace with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ondo State Police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh said the Divisional Police Officer and tactical teams were deployed immediately after the report. They worked alongside local security groups, including the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, local hunters and Atuluse Security, to comb surrounding bushes and track down the suspects.
Efforts are ongoing to arrest the attackers, and surveillance has been intensified across the area to prevent further violence, Jimoh said, adding that authorities are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
The killing comes weeks after suspected bandits attacked Ayede community in the same local government area and abducted a pregnant woman, Mary Jesulayomi, who was later released after a ransom was reportedly paid. Days later, Amotekun operatives arrested 12 men suspected of involvement in banditry in the area.
Residents have expressed concern over rising insecurity in Akure North and called on security agencies to strengthen efforts to restore peace.
