The traditional ruler of Agamọ Community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Kehinde Falodun, has reportedly been killed by suspected bandits.
Sources in the community said the monarch was attacked on Wednesday evening when about 10 armed men stormed his palace in an attempt to abduct him.
The attackers were said to have opened fire during the incident. When the bullets allegedly failed to penetrate, the assailants reportedly struck the monarch on the head with a heavy object, resulting in his death.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Mr. Abayomi Jimoh, said an investigation had commenced.
According to him, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), alongside tactical teams and local security outfits, including Amotekun operatives, Atuluse Security, and local hunters, had launched a manhunt for the suspects.
He added that surveillance had been intensified across the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
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The police assured residents that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest those responsible for the attack.
The incident comes weeks after suspected bandits attacked Ayede Community in the same local government area, abducting a pregnant woman who was later released after ransom was reportedly paid.
Shortly after, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, arrested 12 suspected bandits in the area.
Residents have raised concerns over rising insecurity in Akure North and are calling for stronger security measures to restore peace in the affected communities.