By Ghazali Ibrahim
The traditional ruler of Agamo community in Akure North Local Government Area, Oba Kehinde Jacob Falodun, has been killed by suspected bandits during a failed abduction attempt, local authorities and residents confirmed on Thursday.
The attack occurred on Wednesday evening around 7:10 p.m. when about six to ten armed men allegedly stormed the monarch’s palace with the intention of kidnapping him. Sources said the gunmen opened fire after Oba Falodun resisted their attempt to seize him.
According to community accounts and eyewitnesses, the monarch was repeatedly shot at by the attackers. When bullets reportedly did not immediately stop him, the gunmen are said to have struck him with a heavy object, leaving him fatally injured. His body was later found a short distance from his palace with gunshot wounds.
In a detailed account, the monarch’s wife and daughter described the terror of the assault, saying the attackers spoke Hausa and split into groups as they forced their way into the palace. The wife escaped into nearby bushes after being shot at, while other residents fled amid sporadic gunfire.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying the attack was reported to them by a community leader shortly after it occurred.
DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the police public relations officer, said the command has deployed tactical teams and partnered with local security outfits including Amotekun Corps, Atuluse Security and local hunters to comb surrounding areas in search of the fleeing suspects.
“The victim was later found with gunshot wounds and confirmed dead at the scene,” Jimoh said, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further security breaches in the area. He appealed to residents with credible information to report to the nearest police station to assist investigations.
The killing of Oba Falodun has heightened anxiety among residents in parts of Akure North as communities grapple with increasing incidents of kidnappings, gun attacks and banditry.
