Ondo State Mourns as Bandits Assassinate Traditional Ruler

The traditional ruler of Agamọ Community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Kehinde Falodun, has been reportedly killed by suspected bandits.

Sources within the community disclosed that the monarch was attacked on Wednesday evening when armed men allegedly invaded his palace in an attempt to abduct him. It was gathered that about 10 gunmen stormed the premises, but the royal father resisted the kidnap attempt.

A community source said the attackers reportedly opened fire on the monarch. When the bullets allegedly failed to penetrate, the assailants were said to have struck him on the head with a heavy object, resulting in fatal injuries.

Confirming the incident on Thursday, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, stated that a full-scale investigation had been launched and efforts were underway to apprehend those responsible.

According to him, the monarch’s body was discovered a short distance from the scene with gunshot wounds, and he was pronounced dead on the spot.

He explained that upon receiving the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer, supported by tactical units, swiftly mobilised officers in collaboration with local security outfits. Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, alongside local hunters and members of the Atuluse security group, were deployed to comb nearby bushes and surrounding areas in search of the fleeing suspects.

Jimoh added that surveillance and security monitoring have been intensified across the community to forestall further attacks, assuring residents that authorities are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The killing comes weeks after suspected bandits attacked Ayede Community in the same local government area, abducting a pregnant woman who was later freed after a ransom was reportedly paid. Shortly after that incident, Amotekun operatives arrested 12 suspects linked to banditry in the area.

Residents of Akure North have voiced growing concern over rising insecurity and are urging security agencies to strengthen measures to restore peace and safeguard lives in the affected communities.