Breaking: Pandemonium as Ondo Traditional Ruler Shot Dead at Colleague’s Burial
- A traditional ruler in Ayeka, Okitipupa LGA, was shot in the head during funeral rites for a fellow traditional ruler on Tuesday, October 6
- A community source said a firearm was discharged during the ceremony, with the bullet striking High Chief Akinwalere Akinola directly in the head
- Ondo State Police confirmed the incident and said one suspect had been arrested as investigations began
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Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over eight years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues.
Okitipupa, Ondo State - A traditional ruler in Ayeka community, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, High Chief Akinwalere Akinola, was shot dead on Tuesday, October 6, during the burial ceremony of another traditional ruler in the area.
As reported by The Punch on Wednesday, October 7, a community source who spoke anonymously said a firearm went off while traditional rulers and other community members gathered to perform funeral rites for their late colleague. The bullet struck Akinola in the head, killing him instantly.
Source: Facebook
The source said:
"During the programme, a firearm was discharged. The bullet struck High Chief Akinwalere directly in the head, resulting in his instant death."
The sudden death sent shockwaves through the community. The exact circumstances that led to the firearm being discharged remained unclear, although some people have attributed the incident to an accidental discharge.
Accidental firearm discharges, often referred to by law enforcement and the public as "accidental discharges", occur in Nigeria and remain a concern. However, there is no centrally tracked or officially published nationwide data showing how frequently such incidents occur.
A trending social media video of the unfortunate incident in Ayeka community was sighted by Legit.ng, although its authenticity has yet to be independently verified.
Source: Facebook
Ondo police confirm death
The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the death when contacted. He said one person had been taken into custody in connection with the shooting and that an investigation was already underway.
Jimoh stated:
"One suspect arrested. Meanwhile, thorough investigation has commenced."
No further details about the suspect or the specific nature of the investigation were disclosed.
Read more Ondo news
- Prominent Ondo traditional ruler arraigned for brutally flogging villagers
- Police clarify report of Remi Tinubu's convoy killing 7-year-old girl in Ondo
- Ondo: Over 150 civil servants at risk of being homeless as govt marks houses for demolition in Akure
Nigerian military aircraft crashes in Ondo
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a military aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Subsequently, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) released the names of the 25 personnel who lost their lives when its 931 aircraft plunged into the swamps.
In a statement, Ehimen Ejodame, director of public relations and information at NAF, said Sunday Aneke, chief of air staff (CAS), described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the air force and the nation. He disclosed that the aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, adding that no survivors had been found.
Source: Legit.ng
