Ondo police arrest suspect after traditional leader is shot dead at burial

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspect after a traditional high chief was fatally shot during a burial ceremony in Ayeka, Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state, on Tuesday.

The incident occurred while the deceased traditional leader was reportedly participating in the funeral rites of another chief, where firearms were allegedly being fired into the air as part of the traditional proceedings.

According to accounts from the scene, one of the bullets struck the high chief in the head, inflicting fatal injuries and reportedly killing him instantly.

The shooting threw mourners into panic as the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the firearm remained unclear.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said one suspect had been taken into custody in connection with the death.

Jimoh said the command had commenced a full investigation to establish how the firearm was discharged and determine those responsible for the incident.

The identities of the slain high chief and the chief whose burial was being conducted had not been officially released as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, a video from the ceremony reportedly captured part of the incident, prompting concerns among residents over the use of firearms during traditional funeral celebrations as police continue their investigation.