A 17-year-old boy has reportedly committed suicide at Epe Ekiti in the Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

WuzupNigeria reports that Opeyemi Oluwafemi was found hanging from a tree around 4.30 p.m. on Saturday in a nearby bush in the town.

It was gathered that Oluwafemi might have taken his life over alleged maltreatment by his father who was said to be fond of torturing him with dangerous objects at the slightest provocation.

According to sources, the remains of the boy were discovered after an offensive odour and flies took over the community.

A source, who disclosed that they had been looking for the boy for over 10 days, said trouble started when the boy, who was preparing for an examination, was beaten up by his father, following which he escaped from home.

“Since then, people have been looking for him. All efforts to locate him proved abortive and he did not return to the house as expected.

“The boy’s father often extends the maltreatment to his wife. The victim hardly went to bed without being assaulted,” the source said.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Police Command, DSP Caleb Ikechukwu, confirmed on Monday that the body was found hanging from a tree in a nearby bush.

Ikechukwu said,

“I can confirm to you that at around 1630hrs (4:30 p.m.) of 26/10/2019, the body of 17-year-old Opeyemi Oluwafemi was found hanging on a tree in a nearby bush at Epe Ekiti.

“However, I cannot confirm at present if the father has been arrested, but investigation is ongoing,” the PPRO said.