Ondo Community Raises Alarm Over Mysterious Deaths In Akotogbo

Residents of Akotogbo community in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State have raised alarm over what they described as recurring mysterious deaths, following the discovery of two lifeless bodies in separate bush locations within a month.

The incidents have reportedly thrown the agrarian community into fear and tension, prompting renewed calls for urgent intervention by security agencies and the state government.

Akotogbo, a farming and trading community, is made up of diverse ethnic groups including Ikales, Edos, Urhobos, Itsekiris, Ijaws, and Hausa/Fulani residents.

Findings revealed that one of the victims, Mr. Loyinmi Bode, a farmer and grassroots politician, was allegedly found dead in a bush path after leaving for his farm.

Residents said Bode, who was widely believed to be in line for appointment as supervisory councillor in the area, never returned home after heading to his farm.

Community sources lamented that no arrest or prosecution had been made in connection with the incident, leaving the family of the deceased devastated.

In another incident, a resident identified as Andrew Friday was reportedly found dead in a bush after allegedly receiving a phone call in the early hours of Friday, May 8, before leaving home without informing anyone of his destination.

It was gathered that his family raised alarm after he failed to return home, prompting youths in the community to launch a search operation. His lifeless body was later discovered in a bush area, alongside a handset suspected to belong to his attackers.

Reacting to the development, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, said the Command was aware of the incidents and had intensified security measures in Akotogbo and adjoining communities to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

He said operatives of the State Intelligence Department and other tactical units had been deployed to gather credible intelligence aimed at combating crime.

“The Command is fully aware of these developments and remains resolute in its constitutional mandate of protecting the lives and property of all law-abiding residents of Ondo State.

“In response, robust security measures have been emplaced within Akotogbo and its adjoining communities to prevent any breakdown of law and order and ensure sustained public safety,” Jimoh said.

He added that efforts were ongoing to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for the crimes.