There was pandemonium in Ipele-Owo, Ondo State, as a titled community leader, Chief Arije of Ofi, was allegedly butchered to death by unknown gunmen during a failed kidnap attempt.
According to reports, the tragic incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. at the chief’s residence in the Ofi area of Ipele-Owo.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed his home, forcefully grabbed him, and attempted to whisk him away while firing sporadic gunshots into the air to scare residents.
Chief Arije reportedly resisted the attempt and cried out for help.
A resident, who declined to give her name, said the chief struggled with the kidnappers and refused to follow them, despite being beaten.
It was gathered that as some residents began to approach the scene likely alerted by the gunshots the kidnappers, realizing they might be confronted, killed Chief Arije and fled the area.
