Gunmen Kill Ondo Monarch Oba Kehinde Falodun During Failed Kidnap Attempt

Gunmen have killed the traditional ruler of Ahungha Village in the Agamo area of Akure North Local Government, Ondo State, Oba Kehinde Jacob Faledun.

A family member,who spoke with reporters, said about 10 gunmen stormed the monarch’s palace around 7:10 p.m. on Wednesday in what appeared to be a kidnap attempt.

The source said the attackers tried to take the ruler away, but he resisted them.

During the struggle, the gunmen reportedly fired at him several times, but the bullets did not pierce his body.

He was later forced out of the palace, where he was struck on the head with a heavy object.

His body was discovered later by family members after the attackers had escaped.

The monarch’s wife said the gunmen approached from the Itaogbolu axis and were speaking Hausa.

She lamented that “they killed my husband in my presence.”

The Ondo State Police Command later confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, February 19.

Police spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said officers received a report around 7:50 p.m. from a community leader, High Chief Ajewole Clement of New Town, Itaogbolu.

“Information received at the Division at about 7:50 p.m. from a community leader, High Chief Ajewole Clement of New Town, Itaogbolu, indicated that approximately six armed men stormed the residence of the monarch, forcibly took him from his compound, and subsequently fled the scene,” the statement said.

“The victim was later found a few metres away with gunshot wounds. He was confirmed dead at the scene.”

“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, alongside command Tactical teams, promptly mobilized officers in collaboration with local security outfits, including Atuluse Security, local hunters, and Amotekun operatives, to comb adjoining bushes and surrounding areas in a bid to apprehend the perpetrators.

“Efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing 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.

”The Police Command assures the public that no stone will be left unturned in bringing those responsible for this heinous act to justice.

“Members of the public with credible & actionable information are urged to report to the nearest police station or contact the Command,” the statement read

KanyiDaily recalls that kidnappers who abducted a traditional ruler in Kwara, the Oniwo of Aafin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, along with his son and several other people, have reportedly demanded ₦450 million to release them.