Barely 24 hours after the reported beating of a monarch in Idogun, Ondo State has again been thrown into shock as gunmen stormed Igoba community in Akure North, attempting to assassinate the town’s royal father, His Royal Highness, Oba Adinlewa John.
The heavily armed assailants, said to be wielding guns, knives, machetes, charms, and other dangerous weapons, stormed the community around 11:30 a.m. and unleashed terror on residents.
According to police reports, the attackers first assaulted a female resident, Mrs. Ogunoye Oluomo, who was severely injured and dispossessed of her belongings, before proceeding to the palace of the monarch, where they allegedly attempted to kill the royal father.
Fortunately, Oba Adinlewa John narrowly escaped the attack, though the incident left the community in panic.
The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, swiftly deployed tactical teams led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, which led to the arrest of ten suspects at the scene.
Recovered items included two locally fabricated pistols, a single-barrel gun, live ammunition, charms, and assorted weapons used in the assault.
Police confirmed that the suspects have confessed to their roles and would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
CP Lawal assured that security has since been reinforced in Igoba to forestall further attacks, stressing that Ondo State would not be allowed to degenerate into a haven for criminals.
He added that under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Force remains committed to proactive and community-centered policing.
The Police Command warned that anyone daring the resolve of security agencies in Ondo State will face the full weight of the law.
