The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a farmer identified as Adegoke, popularly called Ariya, in Ore, the headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area, for allegedly beating two suspected thieves to death after catching them on his farm.
The suspects were reportedly caught attempting to steal farm produce, prompting Adegoke to confront them. He allegedly beat the two men into a coma, and they later died in the hospital. A third suspect, who also faced Adegoke’s wrath, is reportedly receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.
Pattern of Theft Irks Farmer
Sources disclosed that Adegoke had endured repeated thefts of his farm produce and property, including cocoa pods, kola nuts, plantains, and even his motorcycle. These incidents had reportedly frustrated the farmer, leading to his decisive action when his wife alerted him about the invasion of thieves.
A community source said, “Some suspected thieves had been stealing Adegoke’s farm produce for a long time, but he kept quiet. Nemesis, however, caught up with them when his wife raised the alarm about their presence. He managed to apprehend two of the four suspects and descended on them.”
Police Investigate Incident
The incident has reportedly created intra-communal tension in the area, as the deceased thieves were said to hail from a neighboring community, Aba Tuntun.
The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Funmi Odunlami, confirmed the arrest of Adegoke. She stated, “The farmer has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Akure for further investigation.”
Odunlami also revealed that the complainant claimed the suspects were on the farm to collect snails and not to steal. She added, “It was Adegoke’s wife who called him to inform him about the presence of intruders on his farm. He returned and attacked them. The command has commenced a thorough investigation into the matter.”
Community Tensions Rise
The deaths of the two suspects have sparked concerns within the community, raising questions about the boundary between self-defense and excessive force. The police assured the public that a full investigation would uncover the facts surrounding the tragic incident.
