Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A wave of fear has swept through the agrarian community of Akotogbo in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State, as residents cry out over what they describe as a disturbing pattern of unexplained deaths. The bodies of two men, a grassroots politician and a father, have been recovered in separate incidents within months, leaving the community in shock and demanding answers from the government and security agencies.
The first victim, Mr. Loyinmi Bode, was a well-known farmer and grassroots politician widely tipped to become a Supervisory Councillor in the area. A few months ago, he left his home for his farm and never returned. Community sources revealed that his family was left devastated after his body was discovered, yet no arrest has been made, and no prosecution has been initiated in connection with his alleged murder.
The second incident occurred on Friday, May 8, 2026. A resident, Mr. Andrew Friday, reportedly received a phone call in the early hours of the morning. He left his home without informing anyone of his destination. When he failed to return, the community's youths launched a frantic search operation. His lifeless body was later discovered alongside a handset suspected to belong to his killers. One of his wives, Mrs. Abiola Friday Andrew, has been thrown into deep mourning.
A resident who spoke with journalists on condition of anonymity lamented, "We are sitting on a keg of gunpowder. No one knows who is next. The government must act before these killings destroy the fabric of our community entirely."
The incidents have created a climate of palpable fear and tension, particularly among the youths of the community. Akotogbo, a peaceful farming and trading settlement, is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including Ikales, Edos, Urhobos, Itsekiris, Ijaws, and Hausa/Fulani residents. This diversity had long fostered unity, but the recent killings have now sown seeds of suspicion and anxiety.
In response to the crisis, the Executive Chairman of Irele Local Government, Deacon Olajide Akinfe, has been called upon to immediately deploy more security personnel to safeguard lives and property. The residents also appealed to the Larogbo of Akotogbo, HRH Oba Michael Elumaro Akinfolarin, and the Laba-elect of Oke Ado Akotogbo, Chief Albert Akintoye, to collaborate with security agencies and local authorities to address the situation.
The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal, has been under immense pressure to stem the tide of violent crimes across the state. While the police have recently recorded successes against cultism and boundary clashes elsewhere, a formal statement regarding the specific incidents in Akotogbo was unavailable at the time of filing this report.
For the grieving widow of Mr. Andrew Friday, and the family of the slain politician Mr. Loyinmi Bode, the silence from the authorities is deafening. As they bury their loved ones, they and their neighbours ask one desperate question: who will be the next to receive a mysterious phone call in the night, and will their bodies be found before the sun rises?
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