Edo APC chieftain Julius Bello killed by son over alleged prophecy

Julius Bello, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, has been killed by his son in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area. The victim, widely known as De Lord Ogata, suffered fatal head injuries after being struck with a sledgehammer by the suspect, identified as Irobudo. The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation into the killing has commenced.

The attack took place on Sunday, shortly after the suspect returned to the family home from Lagos over the weekend. Witnesses reported that the confrontation occurred immediately upon the suspect's arrival. According to accounts from family sources and witnesses, the motive for the violence was linked to a prophecy. According to reports, the accused carried out the act after receiving prophecies claiming that Bello was to blame for his enduring financial struggles and lack of life advancement. These alleged prophetic claims reportedly fuelled resentment and suspicion against the deceased, leading to the fatal encounter between father and son. The incident has left the family and the wider Fugar community in shock, as the reunion between the father and his returning son ended in tragedy.

Background

Julius Bello held a significant political position in the community, serving as the APC Ward Three Chairman in Fugar. Serving as a regional political figurehead, he became a well-known personality within the Etsako Central Local Government Area. Eno Ikoedem, speaking on behalf of the Edo State Police Command, confirmed the fatality and the participation of the offspring in the assault. Ikoedem noted that the police are working to establish the full sequence of events and the specific circumstances surrounding the killing. As of the time of reporting, the suspect, Irobudo, remains at large. Authorities are actively making efforts to apprehend him to determine the exact motive and details of the crime. The case highlights the disturbing influence that alleged prophetic claims can have on family dynamics, raising questions about the psychological impact of such beliefs on individuals within the community.

Why it matters

The killing of a local political chieftain has significant implications for the community and the political landscape in Fugar. As the Ward Three Chairman, Bello's death creates a void in local APC leadership, potentially affecting ongoing political activities in the area. The nature of the crime, involving a family member and rooted in alleged spiritual accusations, has sparked concern regarding the safety of individuals who may be targeted due to similar prophetic claims. The Edo State Police Command is expected to unravel the motive behind the attack, which will be crucial in understanding the broader context of the incident. The community is grappling with the loss of a patriarch and the shocking circumstances of his death, which has left families in the area on alert. The case underscores the potential dangers when spiritual beliefs intersect with personal grievances, leading to violent outcomes within households.

What happens next

The Edo State Police Command has stated that it is making efforts to apprehend the suspect, Irobudo, who is currently at large. Once captured, the suspect will be brought before the law, and the police will continue their investigation to determine the full extent of the events that led to the killing. The authorities aim to clarify the sequence of events and the specific claims made by the prophets that allegedly triggered the attack. The outcome of this investigation will determine the legal proceedings against the suspect and may provide insights into the handling of similar cases involving alleged prophetic influences on criminal behaviour.