Tension gripped the agrarian community of Odigbo in Odigbo Local Council of Ondo State on Monday evening following the lynching of a police officer’s son who killed his 15-year-old brother.

The teenage victim, Emmanuel, was allegedly beheaded by his 26-year-old elder brother, identified as Daniel, who lured him to the banks of Origbara River, a popular and isolated area in the community.

With the tragic incident throwing residents of the peaceful community into a state of panic, the terrified residents expressed dismay at what could have prompted the heinous act.

According to sources, the siblings, who are sons of a respected police officer in the community, were earlier seen together in a playful mood while on their way to the river.

One of the sources in the community, Roland Akinkunmi, disclosed that an indigene of the town, who was trying to cross the river to the other part of the community, raised the alarm when he saw Daniel trying to conceal the severed head in a bag.

Akinkunmi stated: “I was around the palace when I heard people shouting from the Origbara axis. On getting to find out what was happening, I saw Daniel holding a human head. At first I didn’t realise it was his brother’s head because I was confused.

“Daniel and Emmanuel are from the same parents, and their father is a respected police officer here. We are all in shock. How could someone do this to his own blood? They are not from this community. We are still in shock at what could have come over him to have the thought of killing and beheading his own young brother.”

He added that some people living close to the officer stated that the two brothers had earlier engaged in the usual siblings quarrel. “But we believe there will be more to it. In this town, if anyone sheds human blood for the purpose of a money ritual or under any circumstance, the person will be exposed instantly.”

Angered by the development, the locals carried out jungle justice on Daniel. He was lynched.

According to a source, the suspect died in the hospital as a result of serious injuries sustained from the mob action.

When contacted over the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police (CP), Adebowale Lawal, had ordered an immediate investigation.

“The case has been directed to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further and discreet investigation. The Ondo State Police Command is assuring the good people of Ondo that no stone would be left unturned in these cases,” Ayanlade said.

Ayanlade confirmed the lynching of the suspect, adding that he died in the hospital.

He said: “Yes, the suspect died in the hospital.”