Labourer machetes employer to death over kola nut theft in Ondo

Forum 3 days ago

Labourer machetes employer to death over kola nut theft in Ondo

A 60-year-old farmer has been murdered by her labourer in Laoso community, along the Laje Camp axis of Ondo West Local Government Area, Ondo State. The attack followed allegations that the labourer had stolen kola nuts from the deceased’s farm.

Local sources revealed that after being caught stealing the kola nuts, the labourer pleaded with the victim, Mrs Adelugba, not to report him. According to village tradition, anyone caught stealing faces banishment from the community.

The suspect reportedly offered to either pay for the stolen produce or have the amount deducted from his annual wages. However, after reaching this agreement, he allegedly tracked the elderly woman’s movements to her farm, where he attacked her with a machete.

Authorities apprehended the suspect shortly after the attack. During interrogation, he claimed the deceased had repeatedly pressured him to confess to the theft.

Police sources confirmed the suspect was initially held at Fagun Police Division before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, in Akure for further investigation.