Breaking News: Gunmen Kill Ondo Monarch Oba Kehinde Falodun in Palace Attack
Suspected armed bandits have killed a traditional ruler, Oba Kehinde Falodun, the Alagamo of Agamo community, during a violent attack on his palace in Akure North Local Government Area.
The attackers, said to be about 10 in number, reportedly stormed the monarch’s residence on Wednesday evening in what residents described as an attempted abduction of the royal father and members of his household.
According to the Olori, who narrowly escaped the assault, the gunmen began shooting upon arrival. She recounted that some of the assailants remained at the entrance while others forced their way inside the palace.
“The bandits just came and started shooting. They were about 10. Three stayed at the entrance while others came inside. I ran into the bush. They shot at me, but it did not affect me,” she said.
She added that when the attackers failed to successfully abduct the monarch, they turned violent and fatally assaulted him.
Confirming the incident, the spokesman of the Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command received a distress call around 7:50 p.m. from a community leader.
According to him, armed men invaded the palace, forcefully took the monarch from his compound, and fled. The traditional ruler was later found a few metres away with gunshot wounds and was confirmed dead at the scene.
The police said the Divisional Police Officer, alongside tactical teams, mobilised officers and local security outfits, including the Amotekun Corps, hunters, and Atuluse vigilantes, to comb surrounding bushes in search of the suspects.
Authorities have intensified surveillance in the area, assuring residents that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend those responsible for the killing.