Nigeria Voices Concern Over Increasing Ritual Killings

Nigeria Voices Concern Over Increasing Ritual Killings

Nigerians are increasingly alarmed by a troubling rise in ritual killings. This surge, which became particularly notable before the 2023 general elections, was initially attributed to politicians seeking power through extreme means, including human sacrifices……CONTINUE READING 

Recent investigations reveal that ritual killers have expanded their methods beyond traditional abductions. Cases now include demands for newborn babies from hospitals, where some nurses are reportedly involved in these heinous activities. They collaborate with politicians and other actors to steal infants shortly after birth, deceiving mothers into believing their babies were stillborn. This deception is often more easily accepted by families lacking the means to organize a proper burial.

On August 20, a tragic case emerged involving Awesu Mojisola Morufat, a recent graduate from Kwara State College of Health Technology. Morufat was found dead in a bush in Ilorin after being allegedly murdered for ritual purposes. Prophet Adeniyi Adebayo, also known as Prophet Ogunse, and his son, Promise Ogunse, are in police custody, with Promise being the primary suspect.

Earlier, on July 10, a cleric named Aliyu in Ondo State was caught grinding the remains of a year-old infant. This horrifying discovery was made by the infant’s mother, who had previously entrusted the child to Aliyu for care. The cleric, who was also present at the child’s burial, was found with the baby’s remains in his home.

Additional cases include Yusuf Adenoyin, arrested in June with human skulls and flesh, and Dolapo Babalola, a fruit seller arrested in May for murdering five people. In April, Lagos State Police apprehended a gang specializing in ritual killings, and a traditional ruler from Benin Republic was exposed for plotting to kill his own son for rituals.

Islamic clerics and Christian leaders alike have condemned these acts. Ustaz Jamiu Aro from Lagos criticized the legal system for failing to effectively address ritual killings, while Pastor Hezekiah Olujobi of the Centre for Justice, Mercy, and Reconciliation attributed the rise to the desperate pursuit of wealth and power.

Security experts and psychologists suggest various solutions, from improving security education and measures to addressing societal attitudes towards wealth and power. Dr. Davidson Akhimien from ALPSPN advocates for enhanced security awareness, while Dr. Leonard Okonkwo of LASUTH links the rise in ritual killings to societal values that celebrate wealth without questioning its origins.

Overall, the trend of ritual killings reflects deep-seated issues in Nigeria’s legal, societal, and security frameworks, necessitating a multifaceted approach to combat the growing menace.

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