A 21-year-old boy has been arrested for allegedly raping and killing an elderly woman, Veronica Anthony, in Iboropa-Akoko, Akoko North-East Local Council Area of Ondo State.

The suspect, identified as Anthony Alabi, was apprehended following the tracking of the phone of the deceased by police operatives, who had earlier been declared missing.

With the incident heightening tension within the community, security operatives were said to have prevented jungle justice as youths in the community had gathered to descend on him.

According to the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Jimoh Abayomi, the suspect, who is currently in custody, confessed to the crime.

He said, “Following credible intelligence, detectives promptly launched an investigation, which led to the tracking of the deceased’s missing phone and the subsequent arrest of the suspect.

“The Command condemns this heinous and inhumane act and assures the public that justice will be diligently pursued. The case has been transferred to Headquarters, Akure, for further discreet investigation and prosecution.

“The Commissioner of Police urges members of the public to promptly report suspicious incidents and avoid hasty conclusions in cases of sudden or unnatural deaths, as timely reporting greatly aids effective investigation.”