Boy, 17 commits suicide over alleged maltreatment

The decomposing body of a 17-year-old boy, Opeyemi Oluwafemi, has been found on a tree at Epe Ekiti in Ijero Local Government area of Ekiti State.

Oluwafemi, who was believed to have committed suicide, was reportedly found around 4.30pm on Saturday in a nearby bush opposite his father’s in the town.

It was gathered that the incident might be connected with alleged maltreatment by the deceased father who repeatedly tortured him with dangerous objects at the slightest provocation.

A source who craved anonymity said the father was a drunk and often extended the maltreatment to Oluwafemi’s mother, while the victims could not go to bed without being assaulted every night.

The source disclosed that on the said day, the boy who was planning for his external examination was beaten as usual and had to escape when he could no longer bear the pain.

Subsequently, all efforts to locate him proved abortive and he did not return to the house as expected.

However, the offensive odour and flies which took over the vicinity caught the attention of members of the  community who later discovered the decomposing body of the young man dangling on the tree.

Speaking on the incident, Ekiti State Police spokesman, DSP Caleb Ikechukwu, confirmed that the body was found hung on a tree in a nearby bush.

”I can confirm to you that at about 1630hrs of 26/10/2019, the body of 17-year-old Opeyemi Oluwafemi was found hung on a tree in a nearby bush at Epe Ekiti.

”However, I cannot confirm at present if the father has been arrested but investigation is ongoing, ”Ikechukwu said.

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