Labourer hacks employer to death over kolanut theft in Ondo

A 60-year-old farmer has been killed by her labourer at Laoso community, Laje Camp axis of Ondo West Local Council Area, Ondo State.

The deceased, identified as Mrs Adelugba, according to sources, was macheted to death by the labourer after she accused him of stealing kola nuts from her farm.

One of the sources disclosed that after a labourer was caught stealing the kolanuts, he pleaded with the deceased not to expose him, as the village’s tradition dictates that anyone caught stealing would be banished.

The source said, “He promised to either pay for the stolen kolanuts or have the cost deducted from his wages at the end of the year, a compromise the woman accepted.”

After the agreement, the labourer was said to have monitored the movement of the deceased to her farm, attacked her with a machete, and killed her, after which he covered her body with leaves and palm fronds.

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The suspect, who was caught shortly after committing the crime, claimed that the deceased had persistently pressured him to own up to the theft.

Following the confession, he led villagers to the scene, where the remains of the deceased were recovered and moved to the mortuary of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH).

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 Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are ongoing.