Ondo community cry out after mysterious deaths

…… Police begin probe

Residents of Akotogbo community in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State have raised concerns over recurring killings in the area following the deaths of two residents within a few months.

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The community, populated by farmers and traders from different ethnic groups including Ikales, Edos, Urhobos, Itsekiris, Ijaws and Hausa/Fulani residents, is currently gripped by fear and tension over the incidents.

Findings revealed that a farmer and grassroots politician, Mr. Loyinmi Bode, was allegedly murdered a few months ago after leaving home for his farm.

Residents said the deceased, who was reportedly being considered for appointment as a Supervisory Councillor in the area, never returned home after departing for his farm.

Community sources lamented that no arrest or prosecution has been made in connection with the incident, a development they said has left his family devastated.

In another development, a resident identified as Mr. Andrew Friday was reportedly found dead after he allegedly received a phone call in the early hours of Friday, May 8, and left home without informing anyone of his destination.

His disappearance reportedly triggered anxiety among family members and youths in the community, who later launched a search operation after he failed to return home.

The search party eventually discovered his lifeless body alongside a handset suspected to belong to his killers.

One of his wives, Mrs. Abiola Friday Andrew, was said to have been thrown into mourning following the incident.

Some residents who spoke on condition of anonymity appealed to security authorities to fish out those behind the killings and restore confidence in the community.

However, while reacting to the incidents, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, assured residents that the command had intensified security operations in the affected community.

Abayomi disclosed that operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID), alongside other tactical units, had been strategically deployed to Akotogbo and adjoining communities to gather actionable intelligence and combat criminal activities.

“We wish to reassure members of the public that concerted efforts are being intensified to identify, arrest, and prosecute all perpetrators of these criminal acts, in line with the Command’s commitment to justice, public safety, and effective policing across the State,” the police spokesman stated.