A family in Akure, Ondo State, has been thrown into mourning following the death of three siblings whose bodies were discovered near a stream on a farm around the Owena Army Barracks area.
The deceased were identified as 11-year-old twins, Joshua Jonah and Jacob Jonah, and their five-year-old sister, Blessing Jonah.
The children reportedly accompanied their father, Samuel Jonah, to the farm on Friday.
They were said to have left the farm for home ahead of their father, but concerns were raised when they failed to arrive home.
Their disappearance subsequently prompted an intensive search by family members, neighbours and other concerned residents.
The search ended in tragedy on Saturday when the lifeless bodies of the three children were discovered near the bank of a small river within the farm.
The incident plunged the family into grief, with sympathisers trooping to the parents’ residence in the Oke Ogba area of Akure to offer their condolences.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said an investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the children.
According to him, “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, (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 explained that a search operation was immediately launched after the children were reported missing, leading to the discovery of their bodies the following day.
“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,” he said.
The police spokesperson disclosed that the remains had been released to the family for burial, while efforts were ongoing to establish the exact cause of death.
“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,” Abayomi added.
He expressed condolences to the bereaved family and urged parents and guardians to closely monitor children, particularly when they are around rivers, ponds and other potentially hazardous water bodies.
