The Edo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the alleged killing of an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Julius Bello, by his son, who reportedly fled after the incident in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area of the state.

The deceased, popularly known as De Lord Ogata, was the APC Ward Three Chairman in Fugar.

The police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident on Monday, saying the suspect, identified as Irobudo, was currently at large.

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

According to reports, Bello was allegedly attacked with a sledgehammer, which his son reportedly used to hit him on the head.

A family source told The PUNCH that the suspect had returned from Lagos over the weekend before allegedly attacking his father on Sunday.

The source further claimed that the suspect had reportedly been told by a prophet that his father was responsible for his financial difficulties and poor circumstances.

Describing the incident as tragic, the family source said the family was mourning the loss of the APC chieftain while efforts to locate the suspect continued.

The circumstances surrounding the alleged attack are still under investigation, while the police have yet to disclose further details about the incident.

The killing has reportedly thrown the Fugar community into mourning.