The Kwara State Police Command has launched a homicide investigation into the killing of a farmer, Azeez Garba, in the Isin Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to immediately take over the case and deploy all available investigative and intelligence resources to identify and arrest those behind the murder.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.

Describing the killing as “cruel, senseless and unacceptable,” Adekimi assured residents that the command would leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The statement read in part, “The Commissioner of Police has ordered a comprehensive and discreet investigation into the gruesome murder of a farmer, Mr Azeez Garba, whose lifeless body was discovered on his farmland along the Owa-Onire axis, the boundary between Isanlu-Isin and Owu-Isin in the Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.”

According to the police, preliminary findings showed that Garba left home for his farm but failed to return, prompting a search by family members and local vigilantes.

“His motorcycle was later found parked on the farm, while his lifeless body was discovered a short distance away with deep machete wounds,” the statement added.

The command said no arrest had been made but assured the bereaved family and members of the public that investigators were pursuing every available lead.

“Investigators are working assiduously to unravel the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and ensure that all those connected with this heinous crime are identified and brought to justice,” the statement said.

The development comes days after the deceased’s family appealed to security agencies to investigate the killing and ensure those responsible are prosecuted.

Speaking with PUNCH Metro, the deceased’s second daughter, Abdulazeez Rofiat, said her father left home for his cocoa farm but never returned. She said local hunters later found his body in a nearby bush after discovering his motorcycle at the farm.

“We want those responsible for this terrible crime to be identified, arrested and prosecuted according to the law. My father deserves justice, and our family deserves answers. We will continue to seek justice until those responsible are held accountable,” she said.