Labourer flees after killing employer on Ondo farm

A labourer whose identity has not been revealed has fled after allegedly killing his employer, Mrs. Adelugba, on her farm at the Laoso community in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State over kolanut theft allegation.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the deceased 60-year-old woman hired the labourer to work for her on her kolanut farm last week but after finishing the work, the suspect was said to have gone back to the farm and allegedly stole some kolanuts.

A source close to the deceased who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that when confronted, the suspect reportedly confessed to the stealing of the produce but promised to either pay for the stolen kolanuts or have the cost deducted from his wages at the end of the year, to which the woman agreed.

The source said, “But on Saturday, the labourer monitored the movement of Adelugba to her farm, attacked her with a machete, and killed her, after which he covered her body with leaves and palm fronds before fleeing to the village.

“By Sunday, the suspect began to confess to his crime and he eventually led villagers to the scene, where they recovered Adelugba’s remains and deposited the body at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital morgue in Ondo town.”

A police source confirmed that the matter had been transferred to the headquarters of the Ondo State Police Command,  in Akure, the state capital for onward investigation.

However, efforts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, on the phone, were unsuccessful as her telephone line was indicating switched off as of the time of filing this report.

It was also learnt that the deceased’s family had been directed to visit the police headquarters in Akure on Wednesday (today) to obtain the necessary clearance for her burial.

“If they secure permission early in the day, she will be laid to rest on the same day. Otherwise, the burial will be postponed to Thursday,” the source stated.