Residents of Ugbe-Akoko community in Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State were thrown into mourning at the weekend following the death of two siblings- Rev Father Onyeka and his younger brother, Obi Onyeka.

The bereaved family is from the South-East but resides in Ugbe- Akoko.

Sources said the two brothers were shot by armed bandits who laid a siege on Owo-Oba-Akoko- Ikare road for daylight robbery.

It was learnt that the deceased were coming from Lagos when hoodlums waylaid them between Ose and Oba-Akoko and shot them several times.

The vehicle in which they were travelling was said to have consequently burst into flames.

Scores of symphatisers were seen at Ugbe-Akoko residence of Mr Onyeka, the father of the deceased, who is said to be a celebrated baker in the ancient community.

Igbo residents in Ugbe-Akoko were in pensive mood following the incident.

Many shops in the community were also closed as people discussed the incident in hushed tone.

When contacted, the State Police Spokesman, DSP Wole Ogodo said the hoodlums came out of the bush and shot the deceased, who were travelling in a Toyota Highlander Jeep.

According to him, the robbers’ bullets hit the tank of the ill-fated vehicle and it caught fire, burning the occupants.

He said the driver sustained injury and was now receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

Ogodo said “Our patrol team quickly went to the scene to rescue the surviving driver and deposit the corpses of the deceased in a mortuary”.

The Police Spokesman said efforts were on to arrest the bandits, while assuring passengers of their safety on Akoko and other roads across the state.