Gunmen Abduct, Kill Ondo Monarch; Police Launch Manhunt

Ondo Police Launch Special Unit to Tackle Rising Violent Crimes

Police Nab Fake Midwife, Prophetess Over Suspected Maternal Deaths in Ondo The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspects, including a self-acclaimed midwife and a prophetess, in connection with separate cases of alleged maternal and infant deaths in Akure and Emure-Ile. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the arrests followed tragic incidents recorded under suspicious circumstances in both locations. In the first case, reported on April 16, 2026, a woman identified as Mrs. Bawa Blessing reportedly died after going into labour at a private residence in the Gloryland area of Akure. The residence, said to belong to one Elizabeth Aremu, who allegedly posed as a midwife, became the scene of the tragedy after the victim developed complications shortly after delivery and died before she could be moved to a hospital. Police detectives who visited the location discovered the lifeless body of a newborn wrapped in a sack. The suspect was subsequently arrested. In a separate incident reported on April 11, 2026, a 20-year-old woman, Genifer Sunday, was taken to a church in Emure-Ile during labour. The church’s prophetess, identified as Blessing Efiong, allegedly handled the delivery. The newborn reportedly died at the scene, while the mother later died en route to a hospital after developing complications. The prophetess has also been taken into custody. The police said the remains of the deceased mothers and their infants have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and the Federal Medical Centre morgue for preservation and autopsy. The Command assured that comprehensive investigations are ongoing to determine the exact causes of the deaths and to ensure that anyone found culpable faces prosecution. It also cautioned the public against seeking medical care from unqualified individuals, stressing the importance of using licensed healthcare facilities, particularly for critical procedures such as childbirth. The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while appreciating the support and leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies as efforts continue to curb criminal practices across the state.

Police Deepen Community Engagement with Sanitation, Free Medical Outreach in Ondo

Gunmen Abduct, Kill Ondo Monarch; Police Launch Manhunt

Tension has gripped Ahungha Village in Agamo Area of Ondo State following the abduction and killing of the traditional ruler, Oba Kehinde Jacob Faledon, by suspected gunmen on Tuesday evening.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed that the tragic incident occurred on February 18, 2026, at about 7:10 p.m.
According to a statement by the Command, information was received at the Divisional Police Headquarters around 7:50 p.m. from a community leader, High Chief Ajewole Clement of New Town, Itaogbolu, reporting that about six armed men stormed the monarch’s residence. The assailants reportedly forcefully removed the traditional ruler from his compound and fled to an unknown destination.
The monarch was later discovered a few metres from his residence with gunshot wounds and was confirmed dead at the scene.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer, in collaboration with the Command’s tactical teams, swiftly mobilized officers alongside local security outfits, including Atuluse Security, local hunters, and Amotekun operatives, to comb nearby bushes and surrounding areas in an effort to apprehend the suspects.
The Police Command stated that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest those responsible for the attack. Surveillance and monitoring activities have been intensified across the area to ensure the safety of residents and to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The Command assured the public that it remains committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and urged anyone with credible and actionable information to report to the nearest police station or contact the Command immediately.