A high chief has been killed in an accidental shooting during the funeral rites of another traditional chief in Ayeka community, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The incident occurred over the weekend while traditional leaders and other members of the community were participating in the funeral ceremony.
According to eyewitnesses and footage from the event, the deceased was among the high chiefs taking part in the traditional proceedings when a firearm was discharged and the bullet struck him in the head.
He reportedly died instantly, throwing the gathering into confusion as relatives, community leaders and residents fled the scene in panic.
Sources said some of the funeral participants may have been firing guns into the air as part of the traditional celebrations when the fatal incident occurred.
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One source described the shooting as an accidental discharge linked to the alleged careless handling of the firearm.
The identities of the deceased chief and the colleague whose funeral was being held were not immediately disclosed.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that one person had been arrested over the incident.
He added that an investigation had commenced, assuring that further information would be released as the police establish more facts about the shooting.
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