A farmer simply identified as Adegoke has been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command over the alleged killing of two suspected produce thieves on his farm in Mile 10, Oniseere ward in Ore, the headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
Adegoke was said to have beaten the suspected thieves to death for stealing some of his produce as well as his motorcycle parked on the farm.
The farmer claimed that the deceased and some others from the neighbouring community had been stealing produce from his farm before the incident which occurred last Sunday.
According to a source, on the fateful day, Adegoke was said to have met some people again on the farm.
He allegedly engaged the intruders in a fight, killing two and injuring others.
“Some suspected thieves had been stealing Adegoke’s farm produce. Before now, his cocoa, kola nuts, and plantains had been missing from his farm often. The thieves had also stolen his motorcycle on the same farm,” a source told Punch
“But he caught some people on the farm again and beat them to stupor, and in the process, two died, and others were injured.”
Another source said: “Before now, his Cocoa pods, Kolanuts and plantains had been missing from his farm often, including his motorcycle.”
It was gathered that the incident had resulted in heightened tension in the area, with many residents of Mile 10, afraid of being caught in a crossfire in the event of any inter-communal reprisal attack by the Aba Tundun community, where the two suspected thieves allegedly belong to.
It was further learnt that the incident had already sparked tension between the two neighbouring communities, forcing some residents of Mile 10, Oniseere to move out of the area.
The spokesperson of the command, Funmilayo Odunlami, who confirmed the suspect’s arrest on Sunday said investigation into the matter had commenced.
“Investigation into the incident is ongoing,” the PPRO added.
