THE quiet community of Agamo in Ondo State was shattered on February 18 when gunmen stormed the palace of Oba Kehinde Jacob Falodun, brutally killing the revered monarch.

That day will be remembered as a day of unimaginable horror and it has sent shockwaves across the state, with residents calling for urgent action to address the rising security challenges.

According to eyewitnesses, 10 gunmen stormed the palace at around 7:10 pm, attempting to abduct the monarch.

When they failed, they brutally clubbed him to death

The Police Commissioner, Ondo Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, has vowed to track down the killers, assuring that no stone will be left unturned in bringing them to justice.

Similarly, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered a crackdown on criminals, directing security agencies to intensify surveillance and apprehend those involved in the nefarious activities.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, also raised alarm over the spate of kidnappings in the state, urging the government to take decisive action.

Wife, daughter recount monarch’s horrific death

The late monarch’s wife and daughter, while recounting the horrific events, said they are still grappling with the trauma.

In an emotional-laden voice, the monarch’s wife, Veronica Falodun, said: “It was like a nightmare. He was just resting outside, and then, they came and took him away.

“They hit him with daggers, he cried out for help, but no one could come.

“Kabiyesi went to Akure on the day of the incident and came back that same day.

“Shortly after he returned, he said he would like to sit outside and take some rest because he was tired. I stayed with him for a while and went inside.

“Not long after, I heard some argument outside, and before I knew it, some masked persons looking like bandits came and began to drag Baba (the monarch) and also shooting at the same time.

“They were 10 in number. Three of them were at the entrance of the palace, while the remaining seven came inside.

“I ran away. One of them chased me, but he did not know how I escaped. They shot at me, but the bullets missed me.

“The killers dragged him in an attempt to abduct him from his palace, the gunmen shot at him repeatedly, but the bullets failed to penetrate his body.

“Kabiyesi was crying for help, but nobody could come out in the face of gunshots. They kept dragging him. Nobody came out.

“The gunmen, who were speaking a different language, shot at him several times but their bullets did not penetrate. They now hit him on the head and his stomach before he died.”

They invaded the palace in a commando style— Daughter

Also speaking, the late monarch’s daughter, Folayemi, said the killers invaded the palace in a commando style.

She said: “I went out to buy something, but while on my way, I saw the gunmen entering the palace. So, I ran for cover immediately and went to hide in our neighbour’s compound. They were shooting sporadically and chanting.

“I saw them vividly. They dressed like herdsmen. They were speaking Fulani language. They first went to check Baba’s vehicle and looked at the registered plate number before aiming at him.”

Killers’ll be smoked out— Police

Reacting to the incident, the Police Commissioner, CP Adebowale Lawal, vowed that the assailants would be tracked and brought to book.

But Vanguard findings showed that no arrest has been made since the incident occurred.

Aiyedatiwa orders crackdown on criminals

Disturbed by the spate of kidnapping and killings in some parts of Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa has ordered the security agencies to crack down on criminals.

Aiyedatiwa, who spoke through his Information and Orientation Commissioner, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, expressed deep concern over the recent kidnapping incidents in the state.

“It has been discovered that it was orchestrated by some locals within those parts of the state and the government has directed all security agencies to crack down on them”, the governor assured.

Meanwhile, the Agamo community is still reeling from the gruesome murder of their revered monarch.