The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the discovery of three headless bodies found floating in a river within the Odigbo Local Government Area.
According to authorities, initial investigations suggest the deceased were not natives of the state, raising suspicions that their remains were transported from elsewhere and dumped into the river.
The grim discovery was made on Sunday, sparking fear and anxiety among residents of the Ore and Odigbo communities, who were horrified to see the corpses drifting in the river. The disturbing nature of the find—particularly the beheading of all three victims—has led many to speculate that the deaths may be linked to ritualistic activities.
Police spokesperson, Superintendent Olayinka Alayande, confirmed the incident and provided further insight into the police response. “Three unidentified headless bodies were indeed recovered from a river in the Odigbo area. The case was reported at the Ore Police Division, and upon receiving the information, the Divisional Police Officer immediately dispatched detectives to the scene to commence preliminary investigations,” he said.
Efforts have since been made to identify the victims. Local leaders, community associations, and residents have been invited to assist the police in uncovering any information that could help trace the identities of the deceased. However, Alayande disclosed that no one has come forward to claim or recognize the bodies.
“It is currently assumed that the victims may have been killed in another state or locality before being dumped in the river. We suspect the river current may have carried the bodies downstream to where they were eventually found,” he added.
A local youth leader in Odigbo, Mr. Shileola, expressed deep concern and sorrow over the discovery. “This is unprecedented in our community. When I heard the news, I immediately went to the river in hopes of recognizing the victims, but there were no signs or personal items that could provide any clues,” he said.
Shileola further noted that there had been no recent reports of missing persons within the local government area, lending further credence to the theory that the victims were likely murdered elsewhere.
Meanwhile, the police have called on the public to provide any relevant information that could assist in the ongoing investigation. The corpses have been deposited in a hospital morgue, where authorities continue to appeal to anyone with missing relatives to come forward for possible identification.
The incident has sparked widespread concern across Ondo State, with residents urging security agencies to intensify surveillance and patrols, especially around border communities and waterways. As the investigation continues, many hope the perpetrators of this heinous act will be identified and brought to justice.
