From John Dike, Osogbo

Tragedy struck on Friday, as yet to be identified gunmen killed a traditional chief in Okutu-Ope community in Ilesa, Osun state.

The unfortunate incident which led to the death of the traditional chief identified as Gbenga Okotore, our correspondent learnt had thrown the residents of the community into mourning.

The Nigerian Monitor gathered that the attackers shot Okotore at a close range.

The armed men reportedly shot sporadically into the air before killing their target and thereafter escaped.

Speaking on the incident, a resident of the town, Adekunle Adegbola said the deceased might have been trailed to the spot where he was murdered.

Adegbola further explained that they heard the sound of gunshots when the incident happened but could not move closer to the place for fear of being killed too.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Yemisi Opalola said that the perpetrators of the act would be apprehended.

“Okotore was a chief, a community leader in the area. We have commenced investigations into the incident, and those involved will not escape justice,” the PPRO stated.