The body of a 17-year-old boy, identified as Elijah Akinrinlola, has been found hanging on a tree after being declared missing for about five days.
The Bagbe Community in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State was thrown into mourning on Sunday when the body was found hanging on a tree. The deceased was said to be living with his father, Tope Akinrinlola, along the College Road area of the community before the incident.
A source in the community said, “The first day he did not come home to sleep, his family members did not take it seriously. They were not worried. Then, they began to search for him when they did not see or hear from him the following day.
“He was later found hanging on a tree with a rope around his neck after missing for like five days. The place he was found is close to their street.
Another resident of the community, who described the deceased as an easy-going person, confirmed that the incident has thrown the community into mourning.
He said, “What I heard is that he disappeared from his father’s house for maybe five days. His father searched for him everywhere, but he did not see him. Nobody saw him until someone who was going to pick up snails on the farm at night found his lifeless body hanging on the tree.
“They don’t know what could have led to this. I think he was a carpentry apprentice sometime ago. I don’t know if he was through with learning before this happened. He was a very lively person. He loved playing with people and having fun. This is shocking to me.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident and said the investigation had commenced.