An 8-year-old school boy identified as Olamide has been found dead at Okeagbe-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State. His body was reportedly found in the bush with his hands tied behind his back and with cuts.

The primary 2 pupil of St. Judges Anglican Primary School Okeagbe was said to have left home for school last Thursday morning, but did not return until his body was mysteriously found on Friday morning.

Speaking with Mercy-Babs news, the father of the dead child, Ayodele Okunola said he suspected ritual killing as the body was discovered by the bush in such condition.

“Olamide was living with my mother at Afa area of Okeagbe. I was told he left home for school Thursday morning as usual, but my mother said she began to worry when she did not see him return. She later called to inform me. We looked for him throughout that day and could not find him. We reported to the police they told us to still be looking for him for some hours more.

“What I saw this morning was very painful as we later discovered my son dead in the bush at Aje area in Oge road in the community laid on the wraps of clothes with his hands tied behind his back, with cuts and blood spots on his body. I suspect ritual killing—they might have used his blood”, the father said.

According to a man who simply identified himself as Obama and an elder brother to the bereaved father, he said they had been looking for the little boy since Thursday evening when his grandmother informed them of his missing.

“We searched everywhere in the community till 9pm yesterday (Thursday) but could not find him. We went to his school and later announced in the whole of the community. I got surprised as his body suddenly discovered here this morning. There is no doubt, they came to dump him here”, Obama said.