A farmer identified as Adegoke has reportedly killed a suspected thief and injured others after confronting a group allegedly stealing from his farm in the Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The incident occurred at Mile 10 in Ore, where the farmer, also known as Ariya, allegedly caught four individuals on his property.
Two of the suspects were apprehended and subjected to severe beating, leaving one dead and the others hospitalized at an undisclosed location.
According to police sources, Adegoke accused the suspects, who are reportedly from the neighboring Aba Tuntun community, of repeatedly stealing his farm produce and even his motorcycle.
A source in the community recounted the events: “Adegoke had been silently enduring thefts from his farm, including Cocoa pods, Kola nuts, plantains, and even his motorcycle. This time, he caught two out of four people on his farm. In the process of disciplining them, one of the suspects died, which has now caused tension in the area.”
Adegoke has since been arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Akure for further investigation.
When contacted, Ondo State Police spokesperson Funmi Odunlami revealed that the farmer’s wife had reported a suspected invasion of the farm, prompting Adegoke to rush to the scene and confront the suspects.
However, the suspects claimed they were on the farm to pick snails, not to steal. The case remains under investigation as authorities work to unravel the circumstances leading to the tragic incident.
The police have urged community members to remain calm while the investigation continues.