Son kills Edo APC chieftain over alleged prophetic claims

An APC ward chairman in Edo State, Julius Bello, has allegedly been killed by his son, who reportedly blamed him for his poverty after consulting prophets, and police say the suspect is at large.

The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the killing of All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Julius Bello, popularly known as De Lord Ogata, allegedly by his son in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area, LEADERSHIP reports.

The suspect, Irobudo, reportedly struck his father on the head with a sledgehammer on Sunday, shortly after returning from Lagos. He is still at large.

Bello, the APC Ward Three Chairman in Fugar, was a prominent political figure in the community.

Family sources said the suspect allegedly turned against his father after some prophets told him that Bello was responsible for his persistent poverty and inability to make progress in life.

The killing has thrown the family and the Fugar community into shock and raised questions about alleged prophetic claims.

Confirming the incident, police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem said the killing had been reported and an investigation had begun. She added that efforts were ongoing to establish the circumstances of the killing and arrest the suspect.