Tragedy struck in Láòsò, a settlement near Laje Camp in Ondo West Local Government Area, as a labourer fatally attacked his employer, 60-year-old Mrs. Adelugba, with a machete.
According to sources, Mrs. Adelugba was a well-known farmer who owned three farms in the area.
She had only one daughter who resides in Abuja with her husband. She recently completed her home at Miracle Land, FFF, Ondo, and had hired the labourer, who lived with her, to assist with farm work.
Last week, the labourer was reportedly caught stealing kola nuts from one of the farms.
When confronted, he pleaded for secrecy, fearing banishment as per the village’s tradition.
He promised to either pay for the stolen goods or have the cost deducted from his wages, and Mrs. Adelugba agreed.
However, on Saturday, the situation took a deadly turn. The labourer ambushed Mrs. Adelugba on her way to the farm, attacked her with a machete, and killed her. He then covered her body with leaves and palm fronds before fleeing to the village.
By Sunday, the suspect began confessing, claiming the deceased had been pressuring him to take responsibility for the theft.
He later led villagers to the crime scene, where her body was recovered and taken to the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) mortuary.
Police sources confirmed that the suspect was initially detained at the Fagun Police Division before being transferred to the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) in Akure for further investigation.
The deceased’s family has been instructed to visit the police headquarters on Wednesday for clearance to proceed with her burial.
The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the incident and assured that investigations are ongoing.