The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the killing of an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Julius Bello, allegedly by his son in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area of the state.

Bello, popularly known as De Lord Ogata, was the APC Ward Three Chairman in Fugar. He was reportedly attacked on Sunday, November 8, shortly after his son, identified as Irobudo, returned from Lagos.

The suspect allegedly used a sledgehammer to strike his father on the head, inflicting injuries that resulted in his death.

Family sources said the attack was allegedly linked to claims made by some prophets that Bello was responsible for his son’s prolonged poverty and inability to make progress in life.

The claims reportedly fuelled resentment against the deceased before the fatal incident.

However, the alleged prophecy has not been independently verified, and the police have not confirmed it as the motive behind the killing.

Confirming the incident on Monday, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the matter had been reported to the command and an investigation had commenced.

She disclosed that the suspect was still at large, adding that police operatives were working to apprehend him and establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.

“The police have commenced an investigation into the matter, and the suspect is currently at large,” Ikoedem said.

The incident has left the family and residents of Fugar mourning the death of the APC chieftain, while efforts to locate the fleeing suspect continue.

The police are expected to determine the circumstances leading to the attack and establish whether the claims about the alleged prophecy played any role in the incident.