The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a 72-year-old All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain, Julius Bello, allegedly by his 52-year-old son in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, November 8, at Iviegwe Quarters, where the suspect, identified as John Bello, allegedly attacked his father with a sledgehammer before fleeing.
The deceased, popularly known as De Lord Ogata, was the APC Ward Three Chairman in Fugar.
According to reports, Bello was rushed to hospital after the attack, where he reportedly identified his son as the assailant before dying from his injuries.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident, saying the command had launched an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and arrest the suspect.
Witnesses said the suspect had returned from Lagos at the weekend before the alleged attack on his father.
The circumstances leading to the incident remain unclear. Reports also indicated that the deceased’s wife had asked their son to return home from Lagos.
Following the killing, some agitated residents reportedly attempted to lynch the woman, blaming her for inviting the suspect home. Police operatives, however, intervened and rescued her.
The suspect remains at large as police continue their investigation and efforts to apprehend him.