High Chief Shot Dead During Funeral Rites in Ondo Community

A high chief was reportedly shot dead during funeral rites in Ayeka community, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, at the weekend.

The victim was among the chiefs participating in traditional funeral proceedings when a firearm was discharged during the ceremony.

Eyewitnesses said the gunshot struck the high chief in the head, killing him instantly and throwing mourners and other members of the community into panic.

Video footage from the ceremony reportedly captured the moment the incident occurred as the chiefs carried out rituals for their deceased colleague.

The funeral had attracted family members, community leaders and residents before the shooting abruptly brought the proceedings to a halt.

Sources said firearms may have been discharged into the air as part of the customary activities surrounding the funeral. One source attributed the death to an accidental discharge allegedly caused by improper handling of the weapon.

However, the circumstances surrounding the shooting have not been fully established, as police investigations are ongoing.

The identities of the deceased high chief and the person whose funeral was being conducted were not immediately available as of press time.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed that one person had been arrested in connection with the incident.

Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, said an investigation had commenced and that further details would be released as the inquiry progresses.

The police investigation is expected to establish how the firearm was handled, who discharged it and the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting.