Ondo: Residents lynch man for allegedly beheading younger brother for rituals

A horrific incident unfolded in Odigbo, Ondo State, as angry residents took the law into their own hands by lynching a 26-year-old man, identified simply as Daniel, after he was accused of beheading his 15-year-old brother, Emmanuel, for suspected ritual purposes.

The shocking event occurred in Odigbo Local Government Area and has left the community in deep mourning and disbelief. Both brothers were reportedly the sons of a senior police officer serving in the area.

Platinumpost reports that the news of the gruesome killing quickly spread through the town, sparking outrage among residents. In a swift act of mob justice, irate youths apprehended Daniel and killed him before security operatives could intervene.

According to a resident, Roland Akinkunmi, Daniel had lured Emmanuel to the banks of the Origbara River, a secluded area in the community, and then severed his head.

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“An indigene of the town who was trying to cross the river saw Daniel trying to conceal a human head in a black bag,” Mr Akinkunmi said.

“I was at the palace when I heard people shouting from the direction of the Origbara River. When I arrived, I saw Daniel holding a severed head. At first, I didn’t realise it was his brother’s. I was in shock.”

Mr Akinkunmi added that while the two siblings had reportedly argued earlier in the day, the motive behind the murder appears to go beyond a simple quarrel.

“Some neighbours mentioned that the brothers had a disagreement, but no one expected this.

“In this town, anyone who sheds blood for rituals or any reason is usually exposed. We are devastated,” he said.

Residents said the family is not originally from the community but has lived there peacefully until now.

Spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident.

”The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered an immediate investigation.

“The case has been directed to be transferred to the SCID for further and discreet investigation,” Mr Ayanlade stated.

He assured that the command would undertake a thorough investigation.