Police Probe Death of Benue Farmhand Found Hanging in Osun

The 20-year-old labourer was discovered in the Alagbede area of Orile-Owu, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death

The Osun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of a 20-year-old farmhand from Benue State, identified simply as Saviour, whose body was found hanging from a tree in Orile-Owu, Osun State, on Thursday.

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The deceased, who worked as a farm labourer in the agrarian community, was discovered in the Alagbede area, sparking concern among residents over the circumstances surrounding his death.

Sources in the community said Saviour had reportedly gone missing before he was found days later. However, details surrounding his disappearance and how he died remain unclear.

A resident, identified simply as Kareem, described the deceased as an easy-going young man who had come to Orile-Owu in search of work.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Kareem said the discovery had shocked residents, adding that there had reportedly been plans to arrange Saviour’s return to Benue State before the end of the year.

“The development is very shocking to us. I know him very well. He was an easy-going person. He was from Benue State,” he said.

Kareem added that residents had reported the incident to the police, while operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also visited the scene and spoke with members of the community.

Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said officers had visited the location following the report.

Ojelabi disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, had directed the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area to investigate the matter.

He added that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

“The incident was reported.

The deceased was 20 years old. He was from Benue State. Operatives have visited the scene.

“The CP has directed the DPO in charge of the area to work on the matter. The case has been transferred to the SCID for probe too,” the police spokesperson said.

The police have yet to disclose whether any suspects have been identified or establish the circumstances leading to the young man’s death.

The incident comes after an earlier reported case involving a suspected cocoa thief, identified simply as Taofeek, who reportedly died by suicide while in police detention in Agbeye, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State.

Taofeek was reportedly arrested by local volunteers over the alleged possession of stolen cocoa seeds before being taken to the palace of the community’s traditional ruler and subsequently handed over to officers at the Agbeye Police Post.

The two incidents have drawn attention to separate deaths in Osun communities, although there is no established connection between them.

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The investigation into Saviour’s death is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.