Bandits Hack Ondo Monarch to Death in Failed Kidnap Bid at Palace

 

AKURE – Grief has engulfed the Agamo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State following the brutal murder of their traditional ruler, Oba Kehinde Jacob Falodun, the Alagamo of Agamo (Ahungha Village), by suspected bandits.

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, February 18, 2026, when no fewer than 10 armed gunmen stormed the monarch's palace around 7:10 pm in a bid to abduct him.

According to family sources and eyewitness accounts, the attackers invaded the palace shooting sporadically. They reportedly overpowered the monarch, beat him severely, and attempted to drag him away for ransom purposes. When resistance persisted or circumstances changed, the gunmen hacked him to death outside the palace before fleeing the scene.

The monarch's wife, who witnessed the horrifying attack, recounted the trauma: "They killed my husband before my eyes." She described how the assailants continued beating the Oba while demanding to take him, but ultimately resorted to killing him when their abduction plan failed.

The community has been thrown into mourning, with residents describing the late Oba Falodun as a peaceful and beloved leader who served his people diligently.

Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the incident and vowed to apprehend the perpetrators. Spokesperson or command sources emphasized that investigations are underway to track down the killers and bring them to justice. Security has been heightened in the area to prevent further attacks amid rising insecurity concerns in parts of the state.

This latest tragedy adds to the growing wave of violence targeting traditional rulers and communities in Nigeria's Southwest, where kidnap-for-ransom incidents have become alarmingly frequent. Similar past cases in Ondo have included attacks on monarchs, though many involved ambushes on roads rather than direct palace invasions.

Community leaders and residents have called for urgent deployment of more security forces and proactive measures to curb banditry and kidnapping in rural areas. The state government is yet to issue an official statement, but condolences are expected as details emerge.

The late Oba Kehinde Jacob Falodun's burial arrangements and succession plans are being handled by family and community elders.

This senseless killing underscores the urgent need for enhanced security architecture to protect vulnerable leaders and citizens in Ondo and beyond.