The Edo State Police Command has apprehended two individuals in connection with the murder of a seven-year-old boy, Evans Okojabhole. The suspects, identified as Pastor Ijebor Simon (45) and Destiny Okojabhole (23), were taken into custody on Wednesday.
According to a statement from the command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, the case was reported by the boy’s father, John Okhojibole, a resident of Jehovah Witness Road, off Elebesunu Street in Irrua, Edo Central.
Yamu detailed that young Evans was found dead with his stomach cut open, his feet severed at the ankle, and some fingers missing. His remains were discovered in a bush near his home, a day after he had been declared missing.
“The Command received a murder case reported by John Okhojibole of Jehovah Witness Road, off Elebesunu Street, Irrua. The tragic incident was reported on February 22, 2025, at approximately 1:45 p.m. The boy’s lifeless body was found with severe mutilations, including a ripped-open stomach, severed feet, and missing fingers, dumped near his residence just 24 hours after he was declared missing,” the statement read.
During initial investigations, officers from the Irrua Divisional Headquarters arrested Pastor Ijebor Simon and Destiny Okojabhole. The suspects were later transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department in Benin City for further inquiries.
Additionally, Yamu reported the arrest of three suspects linked to the murder of a vigilante commander, Victor Ogedengbe (50), who was killed while working on his farm in Erah Camp, Owan East Local Government Area.
“On February 25, 2025, at about 7:30 a.m., the Chairman of Owan East LGA lodged a report at the Afuze Division regarding the murder of Vigilante Commander Victor Ogedengbe of Sarah Camp. He was allegedly killed by suspected herdsmen on his farm, and his body was taken to the hospital,” Yamu stated.
Following an immediate investigation, officers from the Afuze Division arrested three suspects— Ibrahim Agboje (also known as King), Yakubu Abudulkareem, and Kareem Audu, all from Erah Community. They have also been handed over to the State Criminal Investigations Department for further interrogation.
Meanwhile, the police command has intensified security measures in Uzanu and surrounding areas after two men were killed in Okpekpe Community by suspected herdsmen while working on their farms. Efforts are underway to track down those responsible and prevent future occurrences.
Commissioner of Police Betty Enekpen Otimenyin reaffirmed the command’s dedication to ensuring safety across Edo State. She expressed gratitude for the public’s support and urged residents to remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of reporting suspicious activities with the motto: “See something, say something.”
