Dear President Tinubu: The Alarming Rise of Ritual Beheadings in Nigeria Needs Your Attention

This version uses a colon after “Dear President Tinubu” to introduce the main statement. Let me know if you need any further changes!

In recent months, Starnews NG reported that Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing spike in ritual killings, particularly involving the beheading of individuals for alleged supernatural benefits. This sinister trend has raised alarm bells across the country, prompting law enforcement to take action against those perpetrating these heinous acts.

One of the most shocking incidents involved gospel singer Oluwatimileyin Ajayi, who was arrested for beheading his girlfriend’s friend. In another chilling example, a video circulated today on social media showing a man paraded with two fresh human heads—one belonging to a young girl and the other to a boy—reportedly in Delta State, though the exact location remains unverified.

On December 17, 2024, the Ogun State Police Command apprehended Oladeyo Idowu and Monday Ogunniyi in the Oja-Odan area, where they were accused of specializing in the use of human parts for rituals after abducting their victims.

The report of dismantling a child trafficking syndicate by the Ondo State Police Command on Sunday morning further highlights the extent of this crisis. The operation resulted in the rescue of 14 children, with arrests made including a 62-year-old woman and a couple who had been abducting and selling children.

The prevalence of ritual killings in Nigeria is deeply concerning, with children often being targeted. Young women, particularly those dating internet fraudsters, also find themselves at risk. The desperation for wealth and power, often fueled by cultural beliefs surrounding rituals, has contributed to the alarming rise in these crimes.

Last year, Anambra State reported numerous incidents of ritual killings, with a focus on organ harvesting. Police raids uncovered more than 50 decomposing bodies and 20 human skulls associated with cult activities. The belief that human organs can be used to create potent charms for wealth and success has led many to commit atrocities in the name of ritual sacrifice.

Reports indicate that between January 2021 and January 2022, Nigeria recorded 185 ritual-related deaths, with 43 women and 30 children among the victims. The trend is not confined to a specific region, as virtually every state has experienced its share of ritualistic violence.

Notable cases include the murder of Damilola Olowoyo, a 17-year-old undergraduate, who was lured and killed for ritual purposes, and the gruesome killing of Mojisola Awesu, a 21-year-old graduate, under false pretenses.

The recent surge in ritual murders has drawn criticism and concern from various quarters, including media outlets like the Punch Editorial Board, which lamented the growing trend of such violence. High-profile cases, such as those involving children being beheaded, have shocked communities and highlighted the urgent need for intervention.

Causes of Ritual Killings

Several factors contribute to the rise of ritual killings in Nigeria:

1. Desperation for Wealth: The pervasive belief that wealth can be attained through ritualistic practices drives individuals to commit heinous acts. This desperation is often exacerbated by economic hardship and the desire for quick financial gain.
2. Cultural Beliefs: Deep-rooted cultural beliefs and superstitions surrounding rituals and sacrifices continue to perpetuate these crimes. Many believe that human sacrifices can yield powerful charms or improve one’s fortunes.
3. Lack of Law Enforcement: Inadequate policing and ineffective legal systems allow such crimes to go unchecked. Corruption and insufficient resources hinder law enforcement’s ability to combat ritual killings effectively.
4. Criminal Networks: The existence of organized crime syndicates involved in human trafficking and ritual killings complicates efforts to address the issue. These networks are often difficult to infiltrate and dismantle.

Solutions to Combat Ritual Killings

To address the rising tide of ritual killings in Nigeria, a multifaceted approach is essential:

1. Strengthening Law Enforcement: Increasing funding and resources for law enforcement agencies can enhance their capacity to investigate and prosecute ritual killings effectively. Training officers to recognize and respond to these crimes is crucial.
2. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the dangers of ritual killings and the myths surrounding them can help combat the cultural beliefs that fuel these crimes. Community engagement and grassroots initiatives can promote awareness and foster a culture of reporting suspicious activities.
3. Victim Support Services: Providing support services for victims and their families can help mitigate the impact of these crimes. Counseling, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs can assist those affected by violence.
4. Collaboration with NGOs: Partnering with non-governmental organizations that specialize in human rights and child protection can enhance efforts to combat trafficking and ritual killings. These organizations often have resources and expertise that can aid law enforcement.
5. Legislative Reforms: Implementing stricter laws and penalties for ritual killings can serve as a deterrent. Legislative measures should prioritize protecting vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, from becoming targets of ritualistic violence.

As Nigeria grapples with the alarming trend of ritual killings, Starnews NG advises the government, law enforcement, and society at large to come together and address the root causes and implement effective solutions. Only through concerted efforts can the cycle of violence be broken, ensuring a safer future for all citizens.

We also urge President Bola Tinubu to do something about the rise of ritual beheadings in Nigeria.