A somber mood enveloped the Ibokun community in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State following the tragic discovery of the lifeless body of a resident, identified as Kehinde Ijebu, in the Oyile River.
While details surrounding the exact circumstances of the incident remain unclear, sources within the community revealed that Kehinde had been missing since Tuesday, raising concerns among his neighbors and family members. The incident took a heartbreaking turn when his body was discovered floating in the river the following morning.
A local resident, who lives in the same neighborhood as the deceased and requested anonymity, disclosed that Kehinde had been exhibiting signs of emotional distress in recent times.
“He went missing on Tuesday, and efforts to locate him proved futile,” the resident said. “By Wednesday, some people passing by the Oyile River alerted us after spotting a body. When we arrived at the scene, it was Kehinde.”
The resident further stated that Kehinde had reportedly been battling a health challenge, which may have contributed to his mental state. “It wasn’t the first time he had gone missing, but this time was different. Sadly, it appears he may have drowned himself.”
Eyewitnesses at the scene recounted that the discovery was promptly reported to the police. Community members and relatives subsequently carried out traditional rites before burying the deceased near the riverbank around 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, stated that no physical injuries or signs of violence were found on Kehinde’s body. He noted that the family had requested to bury him without an autopsy, which the police had initially recommended.
“The incident did happen, and our officers confirmed there were no marks of violence on the body. The family, however, declined the option of an autopsy and opted for immediate burial,” SP Ojelabi told our correspondent on Thursday. “Investigations are ongoing to establish further facts.”
The incident has raised conversations around mental health awareness in local communities and the need for timely intervention for individuals showing signs of depression or emotional distress.
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