A shocking incident in Ore, headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area in Ondo State, has left residents of the Ore Alaba area reeling after a young nursing mother was allegedly killed during a dispute over house rent.
The suspect, 27-year-old Quozeem Awe, reportedly the son of the landlord of the building where the family resided, is accused of stabbing the woman, identified as Deborah Adeleye, while also injuring her husband and one of their children.
Eyewitnesses stated that the dispute, which had been simmering for weeks, escalated into violence on Thursday, February 26, 2026, around 5:00 a.m.
Sources claimed that the confrontation began when the landlord’s son allegedly stormed the tenants’ apartment armed with a knife and cutlass after an argument over a quit notice and claims of unpaid rent.
The deceased’s husband, Mathew Adeleye, recounted the terrifying ordeal from his hospital bed, explaining that the family had already started planning a relocation in compliance with a quit notice, despite their rent not being due until March 16.
“We had informed friends to help find another apartment, and we were preparing to move out that very Thursday when the attack occurred,” he said.
He stressed that there had been no prior physical confrontation between him and the suspect before the tragic event.
According to Mathew, at about 5:00 a.m., the suspect reportedly knocked on their door.
Sensing danger, he warned the only remaining tenant in the building not to open the entrance, fearing that the landlord’s son was capable of violence.
Unfortunately, while he stepped out briefly to use the toilet, the other tenant allegedly opened the door, allowing Quozeem Awe to gain access.
Moments later, the suspect allegedly rushed into the room where Deborah, a nursing mother, was resting with her four children, including a nine-month-old baby.
Mathew described how his wife screamed after being attacked.
“She was stabbed and collapsed immediately. I rushed from the toilet to confront him, but he overpowered me and stabbed me multiple times in my back, hand, and leg,” he recalled.
Tragically, the violence did not spare their children. Their first child, Tunrayo Adeleye, sustained a stab wound to the wrist while attempting to flee.
Tunrayo managed to escape outside and raise an alarm, assisted by one of Deborah’s customers who had arrived to deliver supplies for her small tea business.
The incident sparked panic in the neighborhood, with residents quickly coming to the aid of the victims.
Residents confirmed that they immediately transported the injured family members to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The other tenant, who reportedly opened the door for the suspect, fled the scene and has since been untraceable.
Community members expressed shock over the brutality of the attack, emphasizing the devastating impact on the family and the local neighborhood.
Following the incident, the suspect voluntarily surrendered at a nearby police station.
A police source confirmed that the deceased’s body has been deposited at a morgue in Ore, and investigations into the circumstances of the attack are ongoing.
Authorities have appealed to the public to allow law enforcement to carry out a thorough investigation.
The tragic event has sparked conversations among Ondo residents about the importance of peaceful conflict resolution in landlord-tenant relationships.
Legal experts have noted that disputes over rent or quit notices should be addressed through lawful channels, warning that violence could lead to severe legal consequences, including murder charges.
Community leaders in Ondo have urged residents to be vigilant and to report any signs of escalating conflicts to authorities before they turn violent.
Some residents also highlighted the need for counseling and mediation services to help prevent similar tragedies.
The attack has generated widespread sympathy for the Adeleye family, particularly for the young children who witnessed the violence and lost their mother in such a brutal manner.
Local authorities have assured the public that the investigation will proceed diligently and that justice will be sought for the victims.
Ondo State police officials are also coordinating with neighborhood watch groups and community leaders to ensure that residents feel safe and that similar incidents are prevented.
Investigators are collecting statements from witnesses, as well as forensic evidence from the scene, to determine the sequence of events leading to the attack.
This unfortunate incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of unresolved disputes within residential communities.
Residents of Ondo are now calling for stricter regulations and monitoring of landlord-tenant relationships to prevent future tragedies.
As the investigation continues, the suspect remains in police custody while authorities gather more information regarding the motive and circumstances behind the fatal attack.
Meanwhile, the community of Ore is grappling with grief and fear, mourning the loss of Deborah Adeleye and supporting the surviving members of her family.
Ireport247news
