Suspected armed assailants have slain a traditional ruler, Oba Kehinde Falodun, the Alagamo of Agamo community, during a brutal attack on his palace in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The attackers, said to be around 10 in number, reportedly stormed the monarch’s residence on Wednesday night in what locals described as an effort to abduct the royal father and members of his household. According to the Olori, who narrowly escaped the incident, the gunmen first tried to seize the monarch but met resistance before the situation spiralled out of control.
“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 further explained that when the kidnappers were unable to overpower the monarch, they turned violent.
“They kept dragging my husband, and I kept shouting for help. Later, they hit something on his head and stomach. He has been killed,” she said.
Confirming the development on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, stated that the command received a distress alert around 7:50 p.m. from a community leader.
He said about six armed men stormed the palace, forcibly removed the monarch from his residence, and escaped.
“The victim was later found a few metres away with gunshot wounds. He was confirmed dead at the scene,” Jimoh stated.
He revealed that the Divisional Police Officer, together with tactical units, swiftly deployed officers and local security outfits, including Amotekun Corps, hunters, and Atuluse vigilantes, to sweep nearby bushes in pursuit of the assailants.
According to him, monitoring has been heightened across the area as efforts persist to trace and arrest the suspects.
“The Command assures residents that no stone will be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice,” he added.
Meanwhile, elders and traditional chiefs in Agamo have denounced the killing, describing the deceased monarch as a peace-loving ruler who contributed significantly to conflict resolution and community development.
A community leader, who preferred anonymity, said the incident has instilled fear and created a leadership vacuum.
“This is a painful loss to us. Kabiyesi was very close to the people. We appeal to government and security agencies to act fast and ensure those behind this are arrested,” he said.
The incident further heightens security worries in the state, where kidnappings, attacks on farmers, and assaults on rural communities have risen in recent months.
