The monarch of Agamo Community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Kehinde Falodun, has been killed by suspected bandits in a violent attack that has deepened security concerns in the area.
The traditional ruler was reportedly murdered on Wednesday evening after armed men stormed his palace in an apparent attempt to abduct him. According to sources within the community, about ten gunmen invaded the residence and tried to whisk him away.
It was gathered that the monarch resisted the abduction attempt. During the confrontation, the attackers allegedly opened fire. When the bullets reportedly failed to penetrate, the assailants are said to have struck him on the head with a heavy object. He was later found a few metres from the palace with gunshot wounds and was confirmed dead at the scene.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Mr Abayomi Jimoh, said an investigation had commenced and efforts were
ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.He disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer, alongside tactical units, swiftly mobilised officers in collaboration with local security outfits to comb surrounding bushes and neighbouring areas.
Security operatives from the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Ondo State Security Network Agency, local hunters and the Atuluse Security group were also deployed in a coordinated search operation.
Jimoh assured residents that surveillance and monitoring activities had been intensified across the locality to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
The tragic incident comes weeks after suspected bandits attacked Ayede Community, also in Akure North, abducting a pregnant woman, Mrs Mary Jesulayomi, who was later released after a ransom was reportedly paid.
In the aftermath of that attack, Amotekun operatives arrested 12 men suspected to be linked to banditry in the area.
Residents of Akure North have expressed growing anxiety over the rising insecurity, urging security agencies to step up efforts to restore peace and protect lives and property in the affected communities.
