18-Month-Old Girl Beheaded in Suspected Ondo Ritual Killing

An 18-month-old girl has been allegedly beheaded in what residents suspect to be a ritual killing at Agoti farm settlement in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, leaving the agrarian community in shock.

The incident reportedly occurred on June 8, 2026, and has since drawn concern from residents and authorities over rising insecurity in remote farming settlements within the state.

The victim’s father, Bright Kalu, a farmer from Abia State, said the tragedy unfolded while he was away from the family camp to buy food items from a nearby settlement.

Kalu said he returned to meet his wife visibly distressed, adding that she informed him an unknown person had invaded their camp and attacked her.

He explained that his wife managed to escape with three of their children during the incident but later discovered that the youngest child was missing.

According to him, a frantic search was immediately launched alongside his elder brother, Ifeanyi, across surrounding bushes and farm paths.

The search, however, ended in grief when the lifeless body of the toddler was reportedly discovered behind their residence with the head severed.

The father described the incident as devastating and called on the Ondo State Government, security agencies and human rights groups to ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

He said the case was first reported at the Olofin Police Station in Idanre before being transferred to the State Police Command headquarters in Akure for further investigation.

Confirming the development, the Ondo State Police Command said a suspect had been arrested in connection with the killing.

Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said detectives had commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, assuring that the suspect would be charged to court upon completion of inquiries.

The incident has sparked outrage and renewed concern among residents of the area, many of whom are calling for stronger security presence in farming communities to prevent further attacks.

Authorities say efforts are ongoing to uncover the motive behind the killing and to ensure justice is served.