A horrific incident has shaken the Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State after a 26-year-old man, Daniel, beheaded his 15-year-old brother, Emmanuel, in a suspected ritual killing.
The tragedy took a darker turn when enraged youths in the community lynched the suspect in retaliation.
The gruesome act occurred Monday evening near Origbara River, an isolated area in the agrarian community. According to local resident Roland Akinkunmi, Daniel lured his younger brother to the riverbank before beheading him.
“I was around the palace when I heard people shouting from the Origbara axis. On getting there, I saw Daniel holding a human head. I didn’t realise it was his brother’s head because I was confused,” Akinkunmi recounted.
The brothers, children of a respected police officer in the community, had reportedly engaged in sibling quarrels before the incident. However, residents expressed shock at the extreme violence.
“Daniel and Emmanuel are from the same parents, and their father is a respected police officer here,” Akinkunmi said. “We are all in shock. How could someone do this to his own blood? They are not from this community.”
Locals believe the crime may have been motivated by ritual purposes, citing a traditional belief that such acts are swiftly exposed.
“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,” Akinkunmi added.
Ondo State Police Command spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka confirmed the incident, stating that Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal has ordered an immediate investigation.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered an immediate investigation. The case has been directed to be transferred to the SCID for further and discreet investigation,” Ayanlade said. “The Ondo State Police Command is assuring the good people of Ondo State that no stone will be left unturned in these cases.”
