A voice told me to kill him — Farmer confesses to killing herder in Ogun

A farmer has confessed to killing a cattle herder in Roro village, Mile 8, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, saying a voice compelled him to act.

The incident came to light after a cattle rearer reported his son missing, prompting neighbours, hunters and police to search the area. Rumours of a possible herder-related attack heightened tension in the community, and the search ended when the missing man’s body was discovered in a shallow grave.

Community leaders had proposed that residents take an oath to help the truth surface within seven days. But before that could happen, a local farmer and hunter, identified as Taiwo Amos, reportedly confessed to the killing.

Amos, a widower and father of three, told investigators he visited his farm on September 2 after church to check a trap. He said he found the herdsboy alone, felt an uncontrollable urge to kill him and carried out the attack.

“I came back from church, stood up and went to check on my trap. When I got to the bush I saw him from a distance and a thought just came to my mind, telling me to go and kill him,” Amos is quoted as saying. “I hurriedly went after him and killed him; it was after I killed him I saw a lot of cows scattered.”

When asked whether the herder’s cattle had damaged his crops, Amos replied they had not and that the victim had not offended him. He said he confessed to villagers and later to police because he feared the community oath and did not want curses or consequences to fall on his children.

Amos also described how he disposed of the body, saying he severed the victim’s legs because he was exhausted from digging and then buried him alone. He told police his earlier statement —that he shot the man after hearing someone shout “thief”—was false.

The suspect, who says he acted alone, pleaded for mercy, describing himself as a first-time offender and asking the government for leniency.

Police have taken Amos into custody for further investigation. The matter remains under official inquiry.