A 57-year-old farmer, Saturday Ojewa, has been allegedly murdered and buried in a shallow grave in Ewato, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The incident, which occurred while the deceased was on his way to the farm, was confirmed by the Edo State Police Command. Authorities said five suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said investigations led to the arrest of one Mubarak Marama, who allegedly conspired with others to carry out the crime. She added that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the crisis began when the deceased reportedly confronted some individuals he found cutting bamboo on his farm without permission.
According to the source, Ojewa ordered them to leave the farm, and they complied. However, the suspects allegedly returned the following day, laid ambush and killed him on his way to the farm before burying his body in a shallow grave in a nearby forest.
The source further disclosed that Mubarak was later arrested and allegedly confessed, implicating one Timothy Ogbebor as the mastermind of the murder.
The confession reportedly led to the arrest of three additional suspects identified as Julius Bala, Lawrence Gayobi and Victor Monday.
Police said investigations are ongoing.
