The police command in Edo has launched a manhunt for a suspect who allegedly killed his fiancée, known as Mama Hallelujah, and her three-year-old daughter, Miracle.

Moses Yamu, the command’s spokesman, announced this Tuesday in Benin.

Mr Yamu explained that the gruesome murder of the mother and child was discovered on March 18 by a concerned neighbour in Ovbiogoe Community, near Ekiadolor, Ovia North-East LGA.

He said the concerned neighbour had reported a foul smell coming from the victim’s residence on Idiangbona Street.

”Acting on the report, the divisional police officer of Ekiadolor, alongside operatives, forced their way into the apartment, which had been locked from the outside. Inside, they found the decomposing bodies of the woman and her child.

“The woman had a deep cut on her head, suspected to be from a machete, while the child was lifeless on the bed,” Mr Yamu explained.

He said preliminary investigations implicated the suspect, who has been missing since the discovery.

”The couple have been preparing for their wedding, scheduled for March 29, before the tragic incident.

“All evidence so far points to the fiancé, who has since gone underground. The police are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring his arrest,” Mr Yamu stated.

He assured the public that the command was fully committed to bringing the suspect to justice, urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the nearest police station.

“We appeal to members of the public to assist with credible information that can lead to his apprehension. Justice must be served for the victims,” he said.

He added that the police had intensified investigations, while the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary for further examination. 

(NAN)