The Ondo State Police Command has initiated a search for a man, Kehinde Olanipekun, who is currently at large after allegedly attacking his wife, Damilola, with a machete. The incident took place at their residence in Idasen Community, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, just a few days ago.
The altercation between the couple reportedly arose when Damilola accused her husband of sexually harassing her 14-year-old daughter, whom she had from a previous relationship before marrying Olanipekun. Upon learning of the allegations from her daughter, Damilola confronted her husband.
The next day, Olanipekun allegedly assaulted his wife with a machete and subsequently fled the scene. The suspect’s actions are believed to be connected to the allegations made against him by his wife.
Damilola was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo by concerned neighbors, but due to the severity of her injuries inflicted by her husband, she was later referred to another hospital for treatment.
Speaking about the incident, Damilola recounted, “My daughter (Olanipekun’s stepdaughter) told me how my husband had been sexually harassing her whenever I was not at home. So I was disturbed when I got back home. So the following day I had to ask him, he didn’t deny it, but he apologized to me.”
She went on to describe the violent attack, saying, “On that fateful day, he said he was going to work and left. But not up to one hour, he came and locked the door from behind and brought out a machete inside the room; when I asked him why, he said he wanted to go and work at the site. Without any prior argument, the next thing is that he started hitting me with the machete.”
Neighbors, alerted by her cries for help, attempted to rescue her but found the door locked from the inside. Damilola was eventually saved, and she was promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention.
The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident and stated that the suspect, Kehinde Olanipekun, is still on the run and has not been apprehended. She added that the police have launched a search for the suspect, and an investigation into the matter is underway.
This incident underscores the need for prompt and effective responses to cases of domestic violence and the importance of addressing such matters through the legal system.
