Two arrested after 11-year-old girl found murdered in Central Region; investigation ongoing

The Central Region Police Command has made significant progress in a disturbing case involving the death of an 11-year-old girl, Blessing Innocent, with the arrest of two suspects on October 20, 2026. The child went missing from Gomoa Buduburam and was later found dead, prompting swift police action and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Kingsley Ozor, 40, an autobody sprayer, and his 19-year-old apprentice, Jeffery Otaigbe, have been detained as investigations continue. According to police statements, the girl had visited the suspects—who were her neighbours—at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 17. This visit marked the last confirmed sighting of Blessing Innocent alive.

The case came to light when Blessing's mother reported her missing to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) at Gomoa Buduburam District Police Station on October 19, two days after the girl disappeared. Police launched a missing persons investigation which quickly shifted focus when preliminary inquiries pointed to the two suspects.

How the investigation unfolded

During interrogation, both suspects acknowledged that the girl had been in their company on the day of her disappearance. Further investigation revealed deeply troubling details: according to police findings, Otaigbe allegedly lured the girl into an uncompleted building near an estate community, where he sexually abused her. The suspect subsequently realised the child had died.

Following the confession, Otaigbe led investigators to a location where Blessing Innocent's body had been concealed beneath shrubs. The remains were retrieved and transported to the morgue at St. Gregory Catholic Hospital in the Central Region. Police have arranged for an autopsy to be conducted at the Police Hospital to establish the precise cause of death and gather additional forensic evidence.

Both suspects remain in police custody as the Central East Regional Police Command continues detailed investigations. The case is likely to proceed through Ghana's criminal justice system with serious charges expected, given the nature of the allegations.

Why it matters for Ghana

This case highlights ongoing concerns about child safety and vulnerability in Ghanaian communities, particularly for young girls. The incident underscores the importance of community vigilance and the role of units like DOVVSU in responding to reports of missing persons and domestic concerns. Parents and guardians across Ghana have grown increasingly concerned about child security, and cases such as this reinforce the need for continued awareness campaigns and swift police response protocols.

The arrest and investigation also demonstrate police commitment to pursuing serious crimes against children. However, the case serves as a sobering reminder to families about the importance of monitoring children's movements and maintaining open communication with young people about personal safety. Child welfare organisations in Ghana often use such incidents to emphasise the necessity of community engagement in protecting vulnerable populations.