The Ondo State Police Command has stated that the three headless bodies found in a river in Odigbo Local Government Area are not from the state.
The disturbing sight of the bodies floating between Ore and Odigbo communities has sparked panic across the area.
Residents spotted the bodies in the river on Sunday and promptly informed security agencies.
The way the bodies were found has led to suspicions that the victims could have been used for ritual acts before being thrown into the river.
Olayinka Alayande, the police spokesperson, confirmed the incident on Wednesday, saying it was reported to the local police station.
However, no one has stepped forward to claim or identify the bodies.
Alayande stated, “I can confirm that three bodies were recovered from a river in Odigbo. The matter was reported to the Ore Division, and the DPO sent a detective to the scene. The DPO also summoned community leaders and other groups to help identify the bodies and directed anyone with information to visit the hospital. Since then, no one has been able to identify the bodies.
“It is believed the bodies were brought from elsewhere and dumped in the river. We don’t think they are from this state. However, the river may have carried them to this location.”
Shileola, a youth leader in the area, described the incident as shocking, stating that, “I was shocked when I heard about it. I rushed to the scene to try to identify the victims, but I couldn’t find any clues.”
He speculated that the victims were likely murdered elsewhere, noting that no cases of missing persons had been reported in the community.