The Edo State Police Command has arrested a man, Theophilus Osazuwa, for allegedly killing his four-year-old son, Testimony Osazuwa, in Benin City.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon at Ogbeson Quarters off Benin-Agbor Road, is believed to have been carried out while the suspect was under the influence of hard drugs.
In a statement issued on Wednesday night, the Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed the tragic event, describing how the suspect reportedly returned home and suddenly acted erratically.
“The suspect arrived at his home on 24/12/2024 at about 12:30 p.m., went berserk screaming ‘Holy Ghost fire,’ then reached for his four-year-old son and slammed him against the wall,” Yamu stated.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, the boy was pronounced dead on arrival.
Yamu disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed Osazuwa’s actions were likely influenced by his habitual consumption of illicit substances.
“The young man, known for the consumption of illicit substances such as colloquial ‘ice,’ is suspected to have acted under the influence of these harmful drugs,” he added.
Reacting to the incident, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, condemned the tragedy and urged young people to stay away from hard drugs, citing their detrimental effects on mental health and the safety of others.
“This unfortunate incident underscores the dangers of drug abuse. I call on youths to avoid illicit substances and prioritize their health and the safety of those around them,” the commissioner said.
The incident has sparked outrage and sorrow among residents of Ogbeson Quarters, with many expressing shock over the death of the innocent child.
Osazuwa is currently in police custody, and further investigations are ongoing.
