*Photo:Oba Kehinde Falodun*
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 Ondo State Police Command said on Thursday that the traditional ruler was attacked on Wednesday evening while resisting an abduction attempt by a group of armed men.
About 10 gunmen reportedly stormed the palace intending to kidnap the monarch. When he resisted, the assailants first attempted to shoot him, but the bullets reportedly failed to penetrate. They then struck him on the head with a heavy object, resulting in his death.
Police Public Relations Officer Mr Abayomi Jimoh said an investigation has commenced and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
“The victim was later found a few metres away with gunshot wounds and was confirmed dead at the scene,” Jimoh said. He added that the Divisional Police Officer, tactical teams, and local security operatives, including Atuluse Security, local hunters, and Amotekun, have been deployed to comb surrounding areas and track down the perpetrators.
“Monitoring and surveillance activities have been intensified 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 this heinous act to justice,” he said.
The incident comes weeks after suspected bandits attacked Ayede Community in the same local government area, abducting a pregnant woman, Mrs Mary Jesulayomi, who was later released following the payment of a ransom. Shortly after, the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) arrested 12 men suspected of banditry in the area.