Ondo tragedy: 11-year-old twins, five-year-old sister found dead near river
By Kunle Michael
Tragedy struck a family in Akure, Ondo State, after three siblings, including 11-year-old twins and their five-year-old sister, were found dead near a small river at a farm around the Owena Army Barracks.
The victims were identified as Joshua Jonah, 11; his twin brother, Jacob Jonah, 11; and their five-year-old sister, Blessing Jonah.
It was gathered that the three children had accompanied their father, Samuel Jonah, to the farm on Friday, September 4, 2026, but later left the farm for home.
However, concern reportedly arose after their father returned home and discovered that the children were missing, prompting a search for them.
The search continued until Saturday, September 5, when the bodies of the three siblings were discovered around the bank of a small river within the farm.
The tragic development sent shock waves through the family and their neighbourhood, with sympathisers, friends and neighbours gathering at the residence of the bereaved parents to offer their condolences.
A visit to the family’s residence at Oke Ogba in Akure showed a tense and sorrowful atmosphere as sympathisers gathered to console the grieving parents over the loss of their three children.
The bereaved family members were said to be devastated by the incident, while residents and friends expressed shock over the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the Command had commenced documentation and investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Abayomi said the children had reportedly accompanied their father to the farm before they were later discovered missing.
According to the PPRO, “The Ondo State Police Command confirms the tragic loss of three siblings at a farm located around the Owena Army Barracks, Akure, on 4th September 2026.
“The victims, identified as Joshua Jonah, 11 years; Jacob Jonah, 11 years, who were twins, and Blessing Jonah, five years, reportedly accompanied their father, Samuel Jonah, to the farm.
“They later left the farm for home, but were discovered missing when their father returned home.”
Abayomi added that a search was subsequently conducted, leading to the discovery of the bodies on Saturday.
He said, “A search was subsequently conducted and on 5th September 2026, the bodies of the three children were discovered around the bank of a small river within the farm.”
The police spokesman stressed that the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths had not been established, adding that the Command was continuing its investigation.
“The bodies have since been taken by their father for burial. The Command is continuing to document the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident, while investigation is ongoing to establish the exact circumstances leading to their death,” he said.
The PPRO expressed the Command’s condolences to the bereaved family and urged parents and guardians to be particularly vigilant when children are around rivers, ponds and other bodies of water.
The deaths have continued to generate concern in the community as residents await the outcome of the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
