Tragedy struck in Itaogbolu, Ondo State, on Wednesday evening as unidentified gunmen abducted a traditional ruler from his residence and later killed him.
Police authorities in Ondo State confirmed that about six armed men stormed the monarch’s residence around 7:50 p.m. and forcibly whisked him away from his compound.
According to the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, the incident was reported by 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,” Jimoh said in a statement issued on Thursday.
He disclosed that the monarch was later found a few metres away from his residence with gunshot wounds and was confirmed dead at the scene.
Following the incident, the Divisional Police Officer, in collaboration with tactical teams and local security outfits, including Atuluse Security, local hunters, and Amotekun operatives, launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. Security operatives were said to have combed adjoining bushes and surrounding areas in a bid to apprehend those responsible for the killing.
The Police Command assured residents that efforts were underway to bring the culprits to justice and called for calm in the community.
“No stone will be left unturned in bringing those responsible for this heinous act to justice,” the statement read.
Residents with credible information were urged to report to the nearest police station to assist in the ongoing investigation.
