Tragedy struck the agrarian community of Odigbo in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State as a 26-year-old man, identified as Daniel, reportedly killed his 17-year-old brother.
The incident, according to a source, happened on Tuesday as the perpetrator had been arrested and handed over to the state police command, reports The PUNCH.
The source narrated that the suspect and the deceased were siblings whose father is a policeman in the community.
It was gathered that the reason the suspect took the dastardly action against his blood brother was still unknown, but some residents of the community raised suspicion of ritual in the matter.
Another source said the suspect, after killing the deceased, cut off his head and put it inside a bag beside a river in the community.
Angered by the incident, the youths of the community were said to have dragged the suspect to the centre of the town and beat him to a comatose state. He was said to have died in the hospital on Wednesday morning.
The source said, ” After he was caught with the head, he was dragged to the town and was beaten. He was later rescued and taken to the hospital where he finally died this morning (Wednesday).”
A resident of the community, Roland Akinkunmi, stated that somebody was trying to cross the Origbara river to the other part of the community. He saw the suspect putting the severed head of his brother inside a bag and raised the alarm.
He said, “I was around the palace when I had people shouting from the Origbara axis. On getting to find out what was happening, I saw Daniel holding a human head. At first, I didn’t realise it was his brother’s head because I was confused.
“Daniel and Emmanuel are of the same parents, and their father is a respected police officer here. We are all in shock. How could someone do this to their own blood? They are not from this community. We are still in shock at what could have come over him to have the thought of killing and beheading his own young brother.
“Some people living close to them had stated that the two of them had earlier engaged in the usual siblings quarrel. But we believe there will be more to it. In this town, if anyone sheds human blood for the purpose of a money ritual or under any circumstances, the person will be exposed instantly.”
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Olayinka Ayanlade, said the matter was reported and the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Adebowale Lawal, had ordered an immediate investigation.
“The case has been directed to be transferred to the SCID ( State Criminal Investigation Department) for further and discreet investigation. The Ondo State Police Command is assuring the good people of Ondo State that no stone would be left unturned in the case,” Ayanlade declared.
