Ondo Monarch Assassinated During Kidnap Attempt by Bandits

Suspected bandits have fatally shot the traditional head of the Agamo community in Akure North Local Government Area, Oba Kehinde Jacob Faledon, in a failed kidnapping attempt.

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants invaded the monarch’s palace on Wednesday night, aiming to abduct him. The situation turned tragic when the royal figure is believed to have resisted; he was discovered not far from his home with gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Jimoh Abayomi, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, confirmed the occurrence, noting that the police received an emergency call from a local community leader shortly after the assault.

"At around 7:50 p.m., we were alerted by High Chief Ajewole Clement from New Town, Itaogbolu, that roughly six armed men had forcefully entered the monarch's residence and abducted him. The victim was later found sustaining gunshot injuries and died at the location," Abayomi detailed.

He revealed that the Ondo State Police Command reacted swiftly, sending officers along with local security forces to the scene.

"The Divisional Police Officer, along with tactical teams, mobilized personnel in conjunction with local hunters, Atuluse Security, and Amotekun operatives to search the nearby bushes and surrounding communities," he added.

Abayomi mentioned that a manhunt for the fleeing suspects has been initiated, with increased surveillance in the area to deter further incidents.

"Ongoing efforts aim to locate and apprehend the individuals responsible for this atrocious act. We are also enhancing monitoring activities to secure the residents and maintain public order," he asserted.

The police have reassured citizens that those accountable for the crime will be pursued and brought to justice, urging the public to provide any useful information to aid their investigation.

The murder has raised concerns about escalating insecurity in various parts of the Akure North Local Government Area.