By Ade Oyeyemi
A burial ceremony in Ayeka, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, turned tragic on Tuesday after a traditional High Chief was reportedly killed by an accidental gunshot during funeral rites.
The incident occurred while traditional rites were being performed for the deceased, with witnesses reportedly saying firearms were discharged into the air as part of the ceremony.
A bullet allegedly struck the High Chief in the head, killing him at the scene.
Details surrounding the incident, including the identity of the victim and the person who allegedly fired the weapon, remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
Preliminary accounts suggested that the firearm was discharged by one of the participants during the traditional proceedings. However, the circumstances surrounding the shooting have yet to be fully established.
The incident was reportedly captured in video footage from the ceremony, showing the moment the proceedings turned chaotic following the gunshot.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said one suspect had been arrested in connection with the incident.
Jimoh said the police had commenced a thorough investigation to establish what led to the fatal shooting and determine the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s alleged involvement.
The police are expected to provide further details as the investigation progresses.
