Gunmen have killed Oba Kehinde Falodun, the Alagamo of Agamoland in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, following a failed attempt to abduct him on Wednesday evening.
The Family said about 10 masked gunmen stormed the palace through the Itaogbolu axis.
They attempted to kidnap the monarch, opening fire when he resisted. The bullets reportedly did not penetrate, after which the attackers struck him on the head and stomach.
His body was later found at a T-junction near the palace.
The monarch’s wife said, “He went to Akure and returned, saying he wanted to rest, so he sat outside. The bandits came and started shooting. They were about 10 in number. Three of them were at the entrance, while about seven came inside. I ran away; one of them chased me, but he did not know how I escaped into a nearby bush. I was shot at, but it did not affect me.”
She added that the attackers dragged her husband, hit him multiple times and spoke Hausa during the attack.
One of the monarch’s daughters said, “They kept shooting at the king, but the bullets didn’t penetrate. They carried him, but he insisted he was a king. Later, they brought out something like a knife and attacked him. He was killed outside the palace. They also beat a female guest and seized her phone.”
Confirming the incident, Ondo State Police spokesperson DSP Jimoh Abayomi said, “Information received at about 7:50 p.m. from a community leader indicated that approximately six armed men stormed the residence of the monarch, forcibly took him from his compound, and subsequently fled the scene. The victim was later found a few metres away with gunshot wounds and was confirmed dead at the scene.”
He added that the Divisional Police Officer and command tactical teams, working with Atuluse Security, local hunters and Amotekun operatives, are combing surrounding areas to apprehend the suspects.
“Monitoring and surveillance activities have been intensified across the area to ensure the safety of residents and prevent further breakdown of law and order,” DSP Abayomi said.
“The Police Command assures the public that no stone will be left unturned in bringing those responsible for this act to justice. Members of the public with credible and actionable information are urged to report to the nearest police station or contact the command.”
Residents of Agamo community have expressed concern and are awaiting the apprehension of the attackers.
