JUST IN: Details emerge as gunmen kill Ondo monarch after failed abduction attempt

Suspected bandits have killed the traditional ruler of in of , , during an attack on his palace on Wednesday evening.

Family sources said more than 10 armed men stormed the monarch’s residence in a bid to abduct him, but met resistance from the ruler. The assailants reportedly opened fire on the traditional ruler, but when the gunshots failed to bring him down, they struck him on the head with a weapon, leading to his death.

A palace source disclosed that the attackers arrived at the community through the Itaogbolu axis and were heard speaking during the operation, heightening suspicion that they were part of an organised criminal gang operating in the area.

Confirming the incident, the wife of the deceased monarch said the attackers invaded the palace at about dusk, throwing the community into panic before carrying out the fatal assault.

The state Police Command, in a statement on Thursday, described the incident as tragic and said it occurred on , at about 7:10 p.m., resulting in the killing of the traditional ruler of Ahungha Village in the Agamo area.

According to the police, information received from a community leader, of , indicated that about six armed men invaded the monarch’s residence, forcibly took him from his compound and fled.

The statement added that the monarch’s body was later discovered a few metres away with gunshot wounds and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

The Divisional Police Officer, alongside tactical teams and local security outfits, including , hunters and vigilantes, has since launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, combing nearby forests and adjoining communities.

The command assured residents that intensified surveillance and security operations were ongoing to prevent further attacks, urging anyone with useful information to report to the nearest police station as efforts continue to bring those responsible to justice.