Tragedy struck Ayeka in the Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State on Tuesday when a traditional high chief was allegedly killed by a bullet during a burial ceremony.
The incident occurred while traditional funeral rites were being performed for a deceased high chief in the community.
According to eyewitness accounts, the ceremony was ongoing when a firearm was discharged, with the bullet reportedly hitting another high chief in the head.
The victim was said to have died instantly from the gunshot injury, throwing mourners and other participants into confusion.
Preliminary information indicated that some participants in the burial rites had been firing guns into the air as part of the traditional activities when the fatal incident occurred.
The identities of the victim and the high chief whose burial was being conducted could not be independently confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said one suspect had been arrested.
Jimoh added that the command had commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The police spokesman said further details would be made available as the investigation progresses.