The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the gruesome killing of a 42-year-old trader and mother of three, Mrs. Olaitan Amere, at her residence in Ajegunle, Ido-Ekiti.
The tragic incident has thrown the community into mourning, with family members alleging that the deceased was attacked and hacked to death inside her home by unidentified assailants.
A relative of the deceased, Mr. Dare Akinola, disclosed that there had been an earlier attempt to set the victim’s residence ablaze a day before the fatal attack. He said the fire was noticed by a passerby, who raised the alarm and prevented it from spreading.
According to the family, the attackers allegedly returned at about 8:00 p.m. on the following day and fatally assaulted Mrs. Amere before attempting to set her body on fire by covering it with clothes and other household items. A container of petrol was reportedly recovered at the scene.
The deceased’s elder sister, Funmilola Adewumi, said family members became concerned after repeated attempts to reach her by telephone failed. They later traced her phone to her residence, where they discovered her lifeless body.
She also alleged that the deceased had received threats before her death and called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the arrest of a suspect, identified as Ismail Tunji Ibiyeye, who is currently in custody at the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) office in Ado-Ekiti.
Police sources said the suspect, who was reportedly in a relationship with the deceased, has made statements to investigators. However, the Command emphasised that investigations are ongoing and that no court has determined his culpability.
The late Mrs. Amere was said to have been caring for her elderly, physically challenged mother following her separation from her husband.
The police assured the public that a comprehensive investigation is underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
