By John Dike, Osogbo
Tragedy stuck at the peaceful Oba-Ile community in Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun State on Tuesday evening, when a man suspected to be under the influence of hard drugs allegedly hacked three children to death in a shocking act of violence that has left residents in deep mourning and confusion.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:05 p.m. at Ese Ola Compound, a residential area in the heart of Oba-Ile, when the suspect, the 30-year-old suspect reportedly stormed the home of one Mr. Ganiyu Bamidele unprovoked, armed with a machete.
Eyewitnesses told told our correspondent that Eniola, who was known in the community as a troubled individual allegedly battling drug addiction and mental instability, arrived at the compound in a frenzied state.
He is said to have walked straight into a small shop operated by Mrs. Bamidele, located within the premises of the family’s compound.
Reports said yhe couple’s three children all minors, whose names and ages have yet to be officially disclosed were sleeping after the day’s activities.
Without warning, the suspect reportedly launched a vicious attack on the helpless children, inflicting multiple machete wounds on them.
According to the father, Mr. Bamidele, who recounted the terrifying moment to journalists, the attack happened so quickly that there was no time to intervene.
“He didn’t say a word to anyone. He just walked straight into the shop where my children were lying down and started hacking them with a machete.
“By the time we rushed in, it was too late. They were already gone,” the grief-stricken father said, struggling to hold back tears.
The shocking nature of the killings sparked immediate outrage in the neighborhood. As word of the atrocity spread, an angry mob quickly formed, determined to mete out jungle justice to the suspect.
Men of the Nigeria Police Force from the Oba-Ile Division were alerted and promptly mobilised to the scene to prevent escalation.
Upon arrival, officers met a tense situation as the suspect had already been severely beaten by the enraged crowd.
Despite the police’s attempt to rescue him, the suspect succumbed to his injuries and died while being transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
The police public Relations Officer DSP Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed the incident to our correspondent sayimg the suspect died while the police were taking him to the hospital after serious mob attack.
Ojelabi stated that investigations have commenced to unravel the motive behind the gruesome act and to determine if the suspect acted alone or under the influence of any substances.
“It’s a heartbreaking case. We understand that the suspect had a history of erratic behavior, and preliminary findings suggest he may have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the attack. Nonetheless, we have opened a full investigation.”
Meanwhile, the entire Oba-Ile community remains in a state of shock and mourning, with residents condemning the senseless act and calling on security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts in addressing the growing menace of drug abuse and untreated mental illness in local communities.
Religious and community leaders have begun offering support to the bereaved family, while others have urged the government to ensure better mental health care interventions, especially for vulnerable individuals with known histories of substance abuse.
As of press time, the bodies of the slain children have been deposited at the morgue, while the police continue their investigation
