By Deborah Nnamdi
Tragedy struck the Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State after a 26-year-old man, identified as Daniel, allegedly beheaded his 15-year-old brother, Emmanuel, in a suspected ritual killing.
Both brothers were sons of a senior police officer serving in the community. In swift retaliation, enraged youths reportedly lynched Daniel after discovering the horrific act.
The incident, which occurred on Monday evening, has plunged the agrarian community into shock and mourning.
According to a local resident, Roland Akinkunmi, Daniel lured his younger brother to the banks of the secluded Origbara River before committing the crime.
“An indigene who was trying to cross the river saw Daniel attempting to hide a human head in a black bag,” Akinkunmi said.
“I was at the palace when I heard people shouting from the direction of the river. When I arrived, I saw Daniel holding a severed head. At first, I didn’t realize it was his brother’s. I was in shock.”
He added that although the brothers had argued earlier that day, the motive seems to go beyond a simple disagreement.
“Some neighbors mentioned they had a quarrel, but no one imagined it would lead to something this terrible. In this town, anyone who sheds blood—especially for ritual purposes—is usually exposed. We are devastated.”
Residents noted that although the family is not originally from the area, they had lived there peacefully for years.
The incident has sparked widespread fear and unrest, as many locals struggle to comprehend the brutal nature of the crime.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the incident.
He stated that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, had ordered an immediate and thorough investigation.
“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further and discreet investigation,” Olayinka said.
He assured the public that the command would ensure justice is served and that no stone would be left unturned.
