The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old pastor, Ijebor Simon, and a 23-year-old man, Destiny Okojabhole, over the suspected murder of a seven-year-old boy, Evans Okojabhole.
The police confirmed the arrest in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, on Wednesday. According to the statement, the tragic incident was reported by the deceased boy’s father, John Okhojibole, who resides on Jehovah Witness Road, off Elebesunu Street in Irrua.
“The Command is in receipt of a case of murder reported by one John Okhojibole of Jehovah Witness Road, off Elebesunu Street in Irrua,” the statement read.
Body Found Mutilated in the Bush
According to the police, the young boy was reported missing 24 hours before his body was discovered in a bush near his home. His remains were found in a gruesome state, with his stomach ripped open, his feet severed from the ankle, and some fingers cut off.
Yamu described the discovery as “unfortunate,” adding that officers from the Irrua Divisional Headquarters acted swiftly in making arrests.
“During preliminary investigations, two suspects, Pastor Ijebor Simon (45 years) and Destiny Okojabhole (23 years), have been arrested by operatives of Irrua Divisional Headquarters and transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department in Benin-City for further investigation,” Yamu said.
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Arrests in the Murder of Vigilante Commander
In another development, three men have been arrested in connection with the murder of a 50-year-old vigilante commander, Victor Ogedengbe, in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to the police, the Owan East Local Government Chairman reported to the Afuze Police Division on February 25, 2025, that Ogedengbe was killed while working on his farm at Erah Camp.
“On 25/02/2025 at about 07:30 hours, the Chairman of Owan East LGA reported at Afuze Division that one Vigilante Commander Victor Ogedengbe (50 years) of Erah Camp was killed in his farm by suspected herdsmen and was deposited at the hospital,” the PPRO stated.
The swift response of the police led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Ibrahim Agboje (also known as King), Yakubu Abudulkareem, and Kareem Audu, all residents of Erah Community. The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department in Benin City for further questioning.
Security Measures Tightened After Farmers’ Killings
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has reviewed security operations in Uzanu and surrounding areas following the murder of two farmers in Okpekpe Community by suspected herdsmen. The police assured residents that efforts were ongoing to arrest the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
Yamu emphasized the commitment of the police under Commissioner of Police Betty Enekpen Otimenyin to ensuring the safety of all residents. He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement.
“We appreciate the public’s support and appeal for more cooperation from the good people of the state. If you see something, say something,” Yamu stated.
The Edo State Police Command has reassured residents that justice will be served in both murder cases as investigations continue.