Bandits Kill Ondo Monarch in Failed Abduction Attempt, Police Launch Manhunt

In Agamọ community Akure North Local Government Area of  Ondo State,  suspected bandits stormed the palace of the traditional ruler and killed him during a botched kidnapping bid. The victim, Oba Kehinde Jacob Falodun also reported as Kehinde Falodun or Faledon, the Alagamo of Agamo, was attacked on Wednesday evening, February 18, 2026, deepening concerns over escalating insecurity  within the state.

 The incident happened around 7:10 p.m. when a group of heavily armed men estimates range from six to about 10 invaded the monarch's residence. They appeared intent on abducting the royal father, possibly along with others in the household. When Oba Falodun resisted the attempt, the attackers turned violent.

His wife recounted the horror in emotional detail: the gunmen opened fire as he sat outside resting after returning from Akure. Despite the shots, some reports suggest the bullets did not immediately penetrate, leading the assailants to drag him away before striking him fatally on the head and stomach with a heavy object. His body was later discovered a short distance from the palace with gunshot wounds, and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

The daughter of the monarch who witnessed the incident, describing how the bandits invaded, fired repeatedly, and then resorted to brutal force when their initial plan failed. She noted that three of the attackers guarded the entrance while others entered the palace, shooting indiscriminately before carrying out the killing.

The Ondo State Police Command quickly confirmed the incident through its spokesperson. Information reached the nearest division around 7:50 p.m. from a community leader, High Chief Ajewole Clement of New Town, Itaogbolu. Officers described how about six armed men forcibly removed the monarch from his compound before fleeing. Tactical teams have since been deployed, and a manhunt is underway in collaboration with local security outfits, including operatives from the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun), to track down the perpetrators.

The state government and security agencies have yet to issue a detailed official statement on preventive measures, but the swift police response features efforts to restore calm and bring the culprits to justice. Community leaders and residents have called for heightened security presence in vulnerable areas to prevent further attacks.