The Ondo State Police Command has commenced an investigation following the shocking discovery of three headless, decomposing bodies found floating in a river in Odigbo community, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
Residents made the gruesome find on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, prompting widespread fear and speculation about ritual killings or targeted murders.
An eyewitness at the scene said the headless state of the bodies suggested foul play, adding that the victims may have been killed elsewhere and dumped in the river to conceal the crime.
A youth leader, who identified himself as Sileola, expressed shock over the strange discovery.
“I was shocked when I first heard about it over the phone. I rushed to the scene, hoping to identify the victims through their clothing or any other means, but all efforts proved abortive,” he said.
According to him, the victims might have been killed somewhere else by the perpetrators who dumped their headless bodies in the community river.
He however, said there was no case of missing person in the community, and said the incident was reported to the security agencies in the area, urging the residents to report any strange movement in the community.
Spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, April 9, said an investigation has commenced on the matter.
“The Ondo State Police Command is deeply concerned by the recent discovery of three headless decomposing bodies by residents along a river in the Odigbo area,” the statement read.
“The distressing discovery was made by local residents who immediately alerted law enforcement. Preliminary observations suggest that at least one of the bodies, found headless within the river, may have been carried by the current to the location where it was discovered.
“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge promptly mobilized officers to the scene and initiated a coordinated response. Community leaders and local vigilantes have been engaged in efforts to assist with possible identification of the bodies.
“Despite these efforts, it is important to note that no formal report of missing persons has been filed in connection with the area, further complicating identification.
“The remains have since been recovered for further examination, and investigations are ongoing. We are urging members of the public with any information that may assist in identifying the deceased or shedding light on the circumstances surrounding their deaths to come forward.
“The Ondo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.
We assure the public that every effort is being made to get to the root of this disturbing incident. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”