Police arrest 21-year-old for alleged rape, killing of elderly woman in Ondo

The incident, which occurred over the weekend, has thrown the community into mourning.

Community sources said the lifeless body of the victim was discovered along a bush path under suspicious circumstances.

A source, who confirmed the incident, said community leaders reported the incident to the police, prompting an investigation.

"The suspect was arrested in connection with the crime and later taken to the community by police officers to identify the scene of the incident. This drew a crowd of residents and triggered tension in the area," the source said.

According to the source, angry youths attempted to lynch the suspect, but security operatives intervened and moved him away to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

Reacting on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the suspect’s arrest followed credible intelligence and the tracking of the deceased’s missing phone.

“The suspect has confessed to the crime, admitting to having carnal knowledge of the victim and thereafter strangling her," Abayomi said.

He, however, condemned the act and assured the public that justice would be pursued.

Abayomi said the case has been transferred to the state police headquarters in Akure for further investigation and prosecution.