A traditional High Chief was shot dead during funeral rites in Ayeka, a community in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The incident occurred on Monday while the deceased’s colleagues were performing traditional rites for a funeral ceremony in the community.

According to an eyewitness account, tension arose when a yet-to-be-identified person carrying a firearm suddenly discharged the weapon. The bullet reportedly struck the High Chief in the head, killing him instantly.

Locals Suspect Accidental Discharge

Some residents who witnessed the incident described the shooting as an accidental discharge.

The circumstances surrounding the handling and firing of the weapon, however, remain unclear as police investigators work to establish exactly what happened during the funeral rites.

The identity of the person who fired the weapon has also not been disclosed.

Police Arrest Suspect

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident on Tuesday.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said one suspect had been arrested in connection with the shooting.

Jimoh added that a detailed investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the death and establish responsibility.

The police have not disclosed the identity of the arrested suspect or stated whether the shooting was formally classified as an accidental discharge.

Investigators are expected to establish how the firearm was obtained, who discharged it and whether the shooting was accidental or involved any other circumstances.

The incident has cast a pall over the funeral ceremony and raised concerns about the use of firearms during traditional rites.