Man allegedly beheads 15-year-old brother for ritual in Ondo

A horrifying incident has rocked the peaceful agrarian community of Odigbo in Ondo State, where a 26-year-old man, identified as Daniel, allegedly beheaded his 15-year-old brother, Emmanuel, in what residents believe was a ritual killing.

The gruesome act, which took place on Monday evening near the Origbara River, sparked outrage and led to mob justice, as angry youths pursued and lynched Daniel before security forces could arrive.

Both Daniel and Emmanuel were sons of a senior police officer serving in the area, adding further shock and sorrow to the tragedy.

The brutal murder has thrown the community into mourning, with many struggling to comprehend how such violence could occur between brothers.

According to eyewitness Roland Akinkunmi, Daniel lured Emmanuel to the riverside under false pretences.

He was allegedly caught trying to hide the severed head in a black bag when a passerby noticed and raised the alarm.

“I was near the palace when I heard shouting from the river,” Akinkunmi said. “I saw Daniel holding what turned out to be a human head. I never imagined it was his brother’s. We’re all still in shock.”

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While residents acknowledged that the brothers occasionally quarrelled, no one anticipated such a horrific outcome. Many believe the killing had ritualistic undertones, stirring further fear and tension within the town.

“This is not a community where human blood is spilled without consequences,” one resident noted, referencing the spiritual and cultural aversion to ritual killings in the region.

Following the alarm, enraged locals chased and lynched Daniel, delivering mob justice before police could intervene.

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the incident. Spokesperson SP Ayanlade Olayinka said Commissioner of Police CP Adebowale Lawal has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation.

“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet inquiry,” Olayinka said. “We assure the public that no stone will be left unturned in uncovering the full circumstances behind these tragic deaths.”