Society Editor
By Tolu Adesuwa Igiehon
In a shocking development, a senior officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun State, Funmilayo Oluwamayokun Lasisi, 39, and her teenage daughter, Sewa Lasisi, have been discovered dead in Osun State, allegedly at the residence of a traditional herbalist. Authorities suspect ritualistic motives in what has sent shockwaves across the southwestern region.
The duo had been reported missing for over two weeks after leaving their home at Obasanjo Hilltop Estate, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Sunday, November 2. Since their disappearance, family members, friends, and colleagues had been unable to reach them, sparking widespread concern.
From Disappearance to Discovery
According to a social media report a source close to the family revealed that the remains of Lasisi and her daughter were found at a suspected herbalist’s residence over the weekend.
Solanke’s Facebook update detailed:
“The mystery surrounding the disappearance of the FRSC officer and her daughter has taken a tragic turn. Their bodies were reportedly recovered from the home of a traditional healer in Osun State.”
The report also indicated that the herbalist’s wife has been arrested, while the herbalist himself remains at large. The authorities are coordinating efforts to apprehend him.
Funmilayo Lasisi, a Superintendent Route Commander, held a senior position within the FRSC hierarchy, managing multiple routes and overseeing strategic enforcement operations. Her sudden disappearance shocked both colleagues and the broader FRSC community, highlighting concerns about the safety of public officials.
Official Confirmation and Investigation
In a telephone briefing on Tuesday, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed the grim discovery, noting that the Osun State Command had apprehended several suspects linked to the incident.
“The Osun command recovered exhibits believed to be body parts of the missing officer and her daughter. The investigation has begun, and we are providing full support to ensure justice is served,” Ogunlowo said.
The case has drawn attention to a worrying pattern of ritualistic killings and abductions in southwestern Nigeria. Similar cases have been reported across different states, indicating a trend of violence targeting individuals under mysterious circumstances.
One recent example involved a 16-year-old boy, Lawal Wahab, whose mutilated body was found along the Old Express Road in Igbile-Ijebu, Ogun State, in July. Another high-profile case occurred in January 2020, when businessman Ignatius Adunukwe was abducted and killed in Lagos State over a property dispute.
These incidents underscore the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling ritualistic killings and kidnappings.
Community Shock and Calls for Action
Residents of Abeokuta and Osun expressed outrage and fear following the revelation. Many described the discovery as “unthinkable,” highlighting the vulnerability of families even in seemingly safe urban communities.
Social media platforms have been flooded with condolences, and calls for swift action against perpetrators have gained momentum. Advocacy groups and concerned citizens are urging authorities to intensify efforts to locate the fugitive herbalist and dismantle networks allegedly involved in ritualistic killings.
The FRSC has also issued statements expressing grief and solidarity with the family, while urging its personnel to exercise caution. The corps described the loss as a “devastating blow to both the FRSC community and the Nigerian public.”
Authorities in Ogun and Osun States continue to coordinate investigations, employing both forensic and intelligence-led approaches to ensure the suspects are apprehended. Meanwhile, community vigilance groups are assisting security operatives in identifying possible locations connected to ritual practices.
“We are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice,” Ogunlowo emphasized. “Cases like this cannot go unpunished, and every effort will be made to protect citizens from ritualistic crimes.”
The tragedy has sparked broader debates about public safety, traditional practices, and the need for stronger law enforcement mechanisms to protect vulnerable individuals. For the Lasisi family, the loss is immeasurable, while for the wider Nigerian community, the incident is a chilling reminder of the dangers posed by ritualistic violence and unchecked criminal activity.
