OGUN, Nigeria — A chilling tale of violence has rattled the peaceful countryside of Imeko in Ogun State, with police confirming the brutal murder of a herdsman allegedly perpetrated by a group of farmers.
The case takes a grisly turn as authorities claim that the suspects dismembered the victim’s body for use in ritualistic practices.
On Monday, May 22, 2023, Ogun State police spokesman, Abimbola Oyeyemi, verified the brutal slaying of the herdsman, identified as Umaru Aliyu.
Four local farmers were arrested in Ijagunre village, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, following a report lodged by the victim’s brother.
The suspects, named as Akinyele Adebayo, Gbalo Idosu, Abiala Segun and Kareem Fagbemi Lana, were reportedly involved in the murder after an altercation over grazing territory.
“The complainant and the deceased had obeyed a warning to not take their cattle near Ojugbele’s farm,” Oyeyemi quoted. “But later, Ojugbele called two other men who started chasing them in the bush.”
The complainant managed to escape, while Aliyu’s whereabouts remained unknown until his gruesome demise was discovered.
The case, initially reported at the Imeko divisional headquarters, was then transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Departments in Eleweran, Abeokuta for a more in-depth investigation.
Investigative efforts led by SP Kehinde Beyioku, resulted in the arrest of Kareem Fagbemi Lana, who confessed to his part in the crime.
Lana detailed how Ojugbele had informed him of herdsmen near their farms and invited him and Abiala Segun to chase them away.
Oyeyemi relayed Lana’s confession: “While chasing them, Kareem Fagbemi Lana collected the dane gun and shot one of the herdsmen Umaru Aliyu to death.”
After the killing, they dismembered Aliyu’s body, under the suggestion of Akinyele Adebayo, who stated his need for the victim’s head for ritualistic purposes.
“They buried the remaining parts of the body in Tamake town in front of Gbalo Idosu’s house,” added Oyeyemi. The gruesome confession has led to the arrest of three additional suspects, while the main suspect, Ojugbele, remains at large.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun, Olanrewaju Oladimeji, has ordered an urgent manhunt for the fleeing Ojugbele.
“The arrested suspects will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded,” he affirmed, underlining the commitment to bringing the culprits to justice.
As police continue their search for the remaining suspect, a cloud of unease looms over the ordinarily serene Imeko countryside.
The gruesome crime serves as a stark reminder of the escalating tensions between herders and farmers in the region, with hope that this incident may be a catalyst for renewed dialogue and understanding.
