Police arrest pastor, one other over murder of 7-year-old boy

The Edo State Police Command has arrested two suspects, Pastor Ijebor Simon (45) and Destiny Okojabhole (23), in connection with the brutal murder of seven-year-old Evans Okojabhole.

According to a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, the incident was reported by the boy’s father, John Okhojibole, a resident of Jehovah Witness Road, off Elebesunu Street in Irrua, Edo Central.

Yamu disclosed that Evans was found dead 24 hours after being declared missing. His body was discovered in a bush near their home with his stomach ripped open, feet severed at the ankle, and several fingers cut off.

The statement read:

“The Command received a case of murder reported by one John Okhojibole of Jehovah Witness Road, off Elebesunu Street in Irrua.

The unfortunate incident was reported on 22/02/2025 at about 13:45 hours when the remains of his seven-year-old son, Evans Okojabhole, were found with gruesome injuries, including a ripped-open stomach, severed feet, and missing fingers.

His body was dumped in a bush close to their house, just a day after he was reported missing.”

Preliminary investigations led to the arrest of Pastor Ijebor Simon and Destiny Okojabhole by officers from the Irrua Divisional Headquarters. The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) in Benin City for further interrogation.

In a separate case, the police have also arrested three suspects— Ibrahim Agboje (also known as King), Yakubu Abudulkareem, and Kareem Audu—over the killing of a vigilante commander, Victor Ogedengbe (50), on his farm in Erah Camp, Owan East Local Government Area.

Yamu revealed that the incident was reported on 25/02/2025 at about 07:30 hrs by the Chairman of Owan East LGA, who informed the Afuze Police Division that Ogedengbe was attacked and killed by suspected herdsmen while working on his farm. His body was later deposited at the hospital.

An immediate investigation by the Afuze Division led to the arrest of the three suspects, who have also been transferred to the SCID for further questioning.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has reinforced security in Uzanu and surrounding areas following the recent killing of two farmers in Okpekpe Community by suspected herdsmen. Authorities are working to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.

Commissioner of Police Betty Enekpen Otimenyin reassured residents of the command’s commitment to ensuring safety in the state. She urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of reporting suspicious activities.

“See something, say something.”