Nigerians are increasingly alarmed by the surge in ritual killings across the country, a disturbing trend that has gained prominence in recent months. These heinous acts, often linked to the pursuit of wealth and political power, have raised serious concerns about safety and morality in Nigerian society.
In the run-up to the 2023 general elections, the incidence of ritual killings reportedly escalated, leading many to speculate that political figures might be resorting to extreme measures, including human sacrifices, to gain power. However, investigations reveal that the problem extends beyond political motives, with ritual killings now involving disturbing new tactics.
Recent reports indicate that ritual killers have expanded their methods, including kidnapping individuals from various locations and even targeting hospitals for newborn babies. There are troubling allegations that some medical staff might be complicit in these crimes, collaborating with ritualists to steal infants shortly after birth. Such cases often see mothers being misled into believing their babies were stillborn, leaving them unaware of the true fate of their children.
A recent case that has shocked the nation involved the murder of Awesu Mojisola Morufat, a recent graduate of Kwara State College of Health Technology. Morufat, who went missing on August 17, was found dead in a bush in Ilorin. The police have arrested Prophet Adeniyi Adebayo, also known as Prophet Ogunse, and his son, Promise Ogunse, as prime suspects in her death, which is believed to be linked to ritualistic practices.
In another grim incident, Aliyu, a self-proclaimed cleric in Ondo State, was caught grinding the remains of a year-old infant, exhumed from the child’s grave. This case came to light when the infant’s mother, noticing disturbances at the burial site, discovered Aliyu committing the gruesome act in his home.
The disturbing trend is not confined to one region. In June, Yusuf Adenoyin was apprehended in Isua-Akoko, Ondo State, with eight human skulls and fresh human flesh. Earlier in May, Dolapo Babalola, a fruit seller, was arrested for killing five people, including his cousin. In Lagos, a gang led by Ademola Akinlosota was arrested in April for ritual killings and desecration of graves.
The alarming increase in such incidents has prompted religious and security leaders to speak out. Ustaz Jamiu Aro, Deputy Imam of Ibuku Oluwa Ratibi Mosque in Lagos, condemned ritual killings, citing Islamic teachings that prohibit such acts. He criticized the legal system for allowing ritual killers to evade justice due to procedural delays and insufficient evidence.
Pastor Hezekiah Olujobi of the Centre for Justice, Mercy, and Reconciliation in Ibadan similarly denounced the rise in ritual killings, attributing it to a desire for power and wealth at any cost. He urged those involved in these crimes to seek spiritual redemption rather than pursuing worldly gains through dark means.
Security expert Dr. Davidson Akhimien called for greater public awareness and education on security issues, while Dr. Leonard Okonkwo, a psychologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, highlighted the psychological toll on individuals involved in ritual killings, including feelings of self-guilt and moral callousness.
The growing frequency of ritual killings in Nigeria underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the issue, including improved law enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and stricter regulation of medical and religious practices. The nation faces a critical challenge in combating this disturbing trend and restoring safety and integrity to its communities.
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