Gunmen on Wednesday night killed a traditional ruler in Agamo community, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, in what police authorities believe was a violent abduction attempt.
The victim, identified by residents as Oba Kehinde Falodun, was reportedly attacked at his residence around 7:10 p.m.
Community sources said armed men stormed the palace and forcefully took him away before he was later found with fatal gunshot wounds a short distance from the premises.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said officers received a distress call at about 7:50 p.m. from a community leader in Itaogbolu reporting that approximately six armed men had invaded the monarch’s home and whisked him away.
According to the police, the ruler was later discovered with gunshot injuries and was confirmed dead at the scene.
Jimoh stated that the Divisional Police Officer and tactical units immediately mobilised to the area, working in collaboration with local security outfits including Amotekun Corps, Atuluse Security, and community hunters to comb surrounding bushes and adjoining communities in search of the attackers.
He assured residents that a coordinated manhunt is ongoing and that surveillance has been intensified across the area to prevent further breaches.
The police urged members of the public with useful information to report to the nearest station, pledging that those responsible would be apprehended and prosecuted.
The killing has heightened tension in Akure North, with residents calling for stronger security presence to curb rising cases of violent crime in rural communities.
