Residents of Oke-Oha Village in the Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State were shocked after the body of their community chief, Ogunleye Olaegbe, was found on his farmland.
According to reports, the chief’s body was discovered lying in a pool of blood around noon on Wednesday. The Ogun State Police Command confirmed on Thursday that the 49-year-old man had been shot and killed by suspected herdsmen.
It was revealed that the attack occurred while the chief was working on his farm. A source involved in the investigation, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that the Baale was shot multiple times, dragged off the farm, and left in a nearby bush.
Police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, stated that the victim had been shot in the chest before being abandoned in the bush. The police were alerted by a community member, and officers quickly arrived at the crime scene, where the body was photographed and then taken to the Ayetoro General Hospital mortuary for an autopsy.
An initial investigation is underway, and efforts are focused on capturing the perpetrators. The area remains under close surveillance to prevent any further unrest.
This attack is part of a troubling pattern of incidents allegedly carried out by herdsmen in the region. Many of the victims are local farmers, including community leaders. In a 2021 interview, Olutunde Aninkan, a youth leader from the Coalition of Youth Groups in the local government, expressed concerns over the growing violence, describing how herdsmen would destroy crops, intimidate farmers with weapons, and often face no consequences.
The community is left grieving as the investigation continues, hoping for justice in the wake of another tragic loss.
