The Olugoba of Igoba Community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba John Adinlewa, has narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, The Nation can report.

The incident occurred during a cultural festival when a group of armed hoodlums invaded the monarch’s palace, wielding firearms, knives, charms, and other dangerous weapons, with the intent to wreak havoc.

Sources disclosed that the attackers, who stormed the community in commando style, violently assaulted the monarch, his wife and several indigenes.

Properties worth millions were reportedly destroyed in the chaos.

Confirming the attack in a statement on Saturday, the spokesman for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said ten suspects have been apprehended in connection with the assassination attempt.

Ayanlade stated that while the royal father narrowly escaped the life-threatening assault, one of his chiefs, Mrs. Ogunoye Oluomo was severely injured and dispossessed of her belongings during the attack.

According to him: “Upon receipt of the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, promptly deployed all necessary operational assets and manpower to the area. Led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, the tactical team effected the arrest of ten suspects.”

He added that the arrested suspects have confessed to their roles in the attack and would be charged in court upon completion of investigations.

Items recovered from the suspects include two locally fabricated pistols, one single-barrel gun, several rounds of live ammunition, assorted charms, knives, machetes, and other dangerous weapons used during the attack.

Ayanlade also disclosed that injured victims are currently receiving treatment and responding positively, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.

He assured that normalcy has been restored to Igoba community, with security presence reinforced to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

The Police Commissioner, according to him, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state. (The Nation)