Police Arrest Native Doctor, Mother For Alleged Murder Of 2 Children In Delta
The Delta State Police Command has arrested two individuals in connection with the deaths of two children: a 10-month-old baby and an 8-year-old boy.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, disclosed this during a press briefing in Asaba on Tuesday, shedding light on the chilling cases that have shocked the state.
Mother Allegedly Murders Infant Child
Blessing Ibuku, the mother of the deceased 10-month-old baby, Prevail Jonathan, confessed to throwing her child into a river in Aviara community on November 31, 2024.
The case was initially reported on December 4, 2024, as a missing child. While Blessing was at the police station, officers received a call about a child found floating in the river. The body was later identified as that of Prevail Jonathan.
During interrogation, Blessing admitted to the crime, citing societal pressure as her motive. She claimed her friends mocked her for having a child without a known father, which drove her to the heinous act.
Native Doctor Linked To Ritual Killing Of 8-Year-Old
In a separate case, the police received a report from a native of Owa-Alero about his missing 8-year-old son, Progress Ifeanyi. The child was last seen with a customer, Destiny Lawrence, who frequently patronized the family’s business.
Initially, Lawrence denied knowing the boy’s whereabouts. However, later that day, Progress’s lifeless body was discovered in an uncompleted building, with some body parts missing.
Upon his arrest, Lawrence confessed to working on behalf of a native doctor named Jonah, from Otolokpo community, who had promised him ₦30,000 to procure a young boy for ritual purposes. Lawrence admitted to luring Progress to the location where the native doctor carried out the gruesome act.
Ongoing Investigation
CP Olufemi confirmed that both Blessing Ibuku and Destiny Lawrence are in police custody, while efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing native doctor, Jonah.
The Commissioner assured the public that investigations into both cases are ongoing and pledged to bring all perpetrators to justice.
These incidents underscore the need for vigilance and community cooperation in combating crime and ensuring the safety of children in the state.
