Gunmen have killed Kehinde Jacob Faledon, the traditional ruler of Agamo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, after invading his palace on Wednesday night.
The assailants were said to have stormed the monarch’s residence and forcefully taken him away. Minutes later, the ruler was found with gunshot injuries at a location close to his home.
Police authorities confirmed that the monarch was pronounced dead at the scene.
The spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Jimoh Abayomi, disclosed that the incident was reported to the police at about 7:50 p.m. by a community leader, High Chief Ajewole Clement of New Town, Itaogbolu.
According to Abayomi, about six armed men carried out the attack.
“Information reached the division at about 7:50 p.m. from a community leader, High Chief Ajewole Clement of New Town, Itaogbolu, that about six armed men stormed the residence of the monarch and forcibly took him away,” he said.
“The victim was subsequently found with gunshot injuries and was confirmed dead at the scene.”
The killing has heightened tension in the community, with residents expressing shock over the brazen attack.
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Abayomi said the Divisional Police Officer, supported by tactical teams of the command, had mobilised officers in collaboration with local hunters, Atuluse Security operatives and Amotekun Corps personnel to comb surrounding bushes and neighbouring communities in search of the perpetrators.
He added that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest those responsible for what he described as a heinous crime.
“Monitoring activities have also been strengthened to ensure the safety of residents and prevent a breakdown of law and order,” the police spokesperson said.
The incident marks another violent attack on a traditional institution in the state, raising fresh concerns about security in parts of Ondo. Police authorities have assured residents that intensified operations are underway to restore calm and bring the attackers to justice.