Kwara Police launch manhunt after missing cocoa farmer found dead with hands tied

The Kwara State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the killing of a cocoa farmer, Azeez Garba, also known as Abdulazeez Abiodun “Kebe,” whose body was discovered in a bush in Isin Local Government Area days after he was declared missing.

The 56-year-old farmer was reportedly found with multiple machete wounds and his hands tied, prompting the police to describe the killing as “cruel, senseless and unacceptable.”

Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to intensify efforts to identify and arrest those behind the murder.

According to the police, Garba left his residence in Isalu-Isin at about 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, for his cocoa plantation located along the Owa-Onire axis between Isanlu-Isin and Owu-Isin.

When he failed to return home that evening and all efforts to reach him by phone proved unsuccessful, his family reported him missing.

A search party comprising local hunters, vigilantes and family members began combing the surrounding area on Sunday. They reportedly found the farmer’s motorcycle parked at his cocoa farm before later discovering his lifeless body in a nearby bush.

The killing has thrown the community into mourning, with family members demanding justice.

Speaking on behalf of the family, the deceased’s second daughter, Abdulazeez Rofiat, described her father as a hardworking farmer, devoted husband and loving parent.

She said the family initially feared he had been kidnapped after his disappearance and waited for possible contact from abductors.

“When the hunters got to his farm, they found only his motorcycle parked there. We initially believed he had been kidnapped and waited for a ransom call that never came,” she said.

“Instead, they found his lifeless body with his hands tied. We want those responsible for this terrible crime identified, arrested and prosecuted. My father deserves justice, and our family deserves answers.”

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Kwara State, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said detectives have commenced investigations and are pursuing all available leads.

“Every available lead is being diligently pursued. Investigators are working assiduously to unravel the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and ensure that all those connected with this heinous crime are brought to justice,” the police spokesperson said.

The command appealed to residents of Isin Local Government Area and members of the public to remain calm and provide useful information that could assist investigators.

Police also urged anyone with credible information relating to the killing to report to the nearest security agency as efforts continue to apprehend those responsible.