Tragedy struck in Ondo State on Monday evening as a 26-year-old man, identified simply as Daniel, allegedly beheaded his 15-year-old brother, Emmanuel, in a suspected ritual killing in the Odigbo Local Government Area.

Both were sons of a senior police officer serving in the community.

According to eyewitnesses, Daniel lured his younger brother to the banks of the secluded Origbara River, where he carried out the gruesome act. He was reportedly caught attempting to conceal the severed head in a black bag when a passerby raised the alarm.

A local resident, Roland Akinkunmi, recounted the chilling moment. “I was at the palace when I heard people shouting near the Origbara River. When I arrived, I saw Daniel holding a human head. At first, I didn’t realize it was his brother’s—I was in total shock.”

While it was reported that the siblings had argued earlier in the day, community members believe the motive goes beyond a family dispute.

“Some said they had a disagreement, but no one imagined it could end this way. In this town, anyone who kills—especially for rituals—is often exposed. This is devastating,” Akinkunmi added.

The incident has thrown the entire agrarian community into mourning, with residents expressing fear and disbelief. Locals say the family, although not originally from the area, had lived peacefully in the community for years.

In a swift response, irate youths in the area descended on Daniel and lynched him on the spot before security operatives could intervene.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, SP Ayanlade Olayinka, described it as deeply disturbing. He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, has ordered a thorough investigation.

“The Commissioner has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet and detailed investigation,” Olayinka stated.

He further assured residents that justice would be served. “The Ondo State Police Command wants to reassure the public that no stone will be left unturned in getting to the root of this incident.”