Suspected gunmen have killed the traditional ruler of Ahungha Village in the Agamo Area of Akure North Local Government, Ondo State, in a brazen evening attack that has sent shockwaves through the community.
The victim, identified as Oba Kehinde Jacob Faledun, was reportedly attacked at his palace around 7:10 p.m. on Wednesday.
Family sources said no fewer than 10 armed men stormed the residence in what appeared to be an abduction attempt. The monarch was said to have resisted his attackers before he was overpowered.
According to relatives, the assailants shot at him multiple times during the struggle. When that failed, he was allegedly struck on the head with a heavy object after being dragged away from the palace. His lifeless body was later discovered a short distance from the scene.
The monarch’s wife, who witnessed the attack, said the gunmen approached through the Itaogbolu axis and were speaking Hausa. “They killed my husband in my presence,” she lamented.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said it received a distress report at about 7:50 p.m. from a community leader, High Chief Ajewole Clement of New Town, Itaogbolu.
Police spokesperson, Jimoh Abayomi, stated that armed men stormed the monarch’s residence, forcibly took him from his compound and fled.
“The victim was later found a few metres away with gunshot wounds. He was confirmed dead at the scene,” Abayomi said.
He added that the Divisional Police Officer, alongside tactical teams, immediately mobilised in collaboration with local security outfits including Atuluse Security, local hunters, and Amotekun operatives to comb nearby bushes and surrounding areas in search of the attackers.
Security presence has since been intensified across Akure North, with police assuring residents that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest those responsible.
The Command urged members of the public with credible information to report to the nearest police station as investigations continue.
