Akure – The traditional ruler of Agamọ Community in Akure North Local Government Area, Oba Kehinde Falodun, was reportedly killed by suspected kidnappers on Wednesday evening while resisting an abduction attempt. A community source said about ten armed men stormed the palace and tried to take the monarch, but he resisted. According to the source, the assailants shot at him several times, and when the bullets did not penetrate, they struck his head with a heavy object, leading to his death.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Mr Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident on Thursday in a statement. He said, “The victim was later found a few metres away with gunshot wounds. He was confirmed dead at the scene.” He added that, “Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), alongside tactical teams from the command, promptly mobilised officers in collaboration with local security outfits. Atuluse Security, local hunters, and Amotekun operatives also assisted in combing adjoining bushes and surrounding areas in a bid to apprehend the perpetrators. Efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.”
Jimoh noted that monitoring and surveillance activities have been intensified across the area to ensure the safety of residents and prevent further breakdown of law and order. He assured the public that “no stone will be left unturned in bringing those responsible for the heinous act to justice.”
The killing follows weeks after suspected bandits attacked Ayede Community in the same local government area and abducted a pregnant woman, Mrs Mary Jesulayomi, who was later released after a ransom was reportedly paid. Days after that incident, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, arrested 12 men suspected of being involved in banditry in the area.
Residents have expressed concern over the growing insecurity in Akure North and have called on security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace in the affected communities.
