The Ugandan press and the national as well as regional and local authorities are pretty open in publishing confirmed and suspected cases of murders for ritualistic purposes. First of all, I would like to compliment these institutions on this.
This openness may suggest that ritual murders occur more frequently in this East African country than in other African countries. However, this conclusion is premature unless it is based on comparative research and takes certain caveats into account. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, we can say that Uganda is a country where ritual murders occur frequently. Human sacrifice for ritualistic motives and notably child sacrifice is a plague in this country. The Prevention and Prohibition of Human Sacrifice Act (adopted in 2021), which explicitly permits the death penalty for perpetrators of ritual murders (human sacrifices) and the financing thereof, haven’t had the envisaged deterrent effect. Last year, on Christmas Eve, in his annual Christmas message, the Kabaka of Buganda commented on the growing number of children who were reported missing and were later found dead, brutally murdered, and in some cases with body parts missing.
In an earlier post in 2024, I reported that the number of reported murders for ritualistic purposes in the 2021 – 2023 period were 46 (2021), 72 (2022) and 84 (in 2023). In other words, the frequency of reported ritual murders nearly doubled between 2021 and 2023. Moreover, only 11 cases out of the 84 reported ritual murders in 2023 resulted in the prosecution of the suspected perpetrators.
In March this year, Uganda’s Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) published its 2025 Annual Crime Report covering a broad array of crimes. We’ll focus here on the present website’s topic, ritualistic murders.
Compared to 2023 there was a decrease in the number of reported ritual murders cases in 2025 (unfortunately, data for 2024 are lacking). In 2025 there were 61 reported cases – hence an average of 5 murders each month, or one ritual murder discovered each week – every week, throughout the year… A harrowing thought.
Generally speaking, the highest incidence of murders (all categories combined) was reported in Kyegegwa District (67 cases), followed by Mubende and Kyenjojo with 58 cases each, Rukungiri with 54, and Oyam with 53. It would be interesting to analyze the CDI report to determine whether there is a correlation between regionally reported murder cases and the frequency of ritual-related crimes. (webmaster FVDK)
2025 CDI Crime report: 25 Ugandans die daily in murders
Published: March 31, 2026 By: URN, Uganda
At least 25 Ugandans died daily from murders and road crashes in 2025, according to the annual crime report compiled by the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID).
The report shows that 4,328 people were deliberately killed, translating into an average of 11 murders per day. Assault was the leading cause of killings, accounting for 1,326 deaths, followed by mob action with 950 cases.
Other causes of murder included strangulation (415 cases), hacking (338), stabbing (292), assault using blunt objects (289), domestic violence (208), shooting (190), poisoning (111), ritual sacrifice (61), and arson (58).
Regionally, Kyegegwa District recorded the highest number of murders at 67 cases, followed by Mubende and Kyenjojo with 58 cases each, Rukungiri with 54, and Oyam with 53.
Infographic showing murders by cause and districts
CID director Maj Tom Magambo said overall crime registered a 10.2 per cent drop between 2022 and 2025, indicating a consistent downward trend.
Meanwhile, traffic police reported 4,602 fatal crashes in 2025, resulting in 5,383 deaths — an average of 14 fatalities per day. The figure represents a 4.7 per cent increase from the 5,144 deaths recorded in 2024.
Serious injuries rose by 8.4 per cent from 17,013 in 2024 to 18,444 in 2025, while minor injuries increased slightly from 3,651 to 3,668. However, total crashes dropped to 322,441 in 2025 from 426,632 in 2024.
December recorded the highest number of crashes at 2,443, while June registered the lowest at 1,978. Fatalities peaked in October with 523 deaths and were lowest in June at 390.
Director of Traffic and Road Safety AIGP Lawrence Nuwabine attributed the rise in fatalities to increased travel demand, particularly during festive periods.
Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba said police will fully implement the sub-county policing model to further reduce crime, which currently stands at 56 per cent nationwide.
“Other initiatives like CCTV cameras, enhanced K9 and forensic services, and targeted operations have contributed to a 10.2 per cent crime reduction in 2025, compared to 4.1 per cent in 2024,” Byakagaba said.
Overall, police-recorded cases dropped from 218,715 in 2024 to 196,405 in 2025. Of these, 79,291 cases were taken to court involving 99,004 accused persons, while 31,732 suspects were convicted.
Despite six gruesome murders involving mutilated bodies over the past decade, the government of Botswana insist none can be classified as ritual killings. The reason? Minister for State President, Defence, and Security, Moeti Mohwasa, responding to a parliamentary question from Member of Parliament for Serowe South, Leepetswe Lesedi, explained that ‘In our statuses in general and the penal code in particular , we don’t have an offence called ritual killing.’ However, he admitted that Botswana is currently faced with a high number of reported missing persons – see the article below for the exact number of missing persons who were never recovered.
This is not to say that all missing persons have been murdered, let alone murdered for ritualistic reasons. But the harsh reality is that ritual murders – known in Southern Africa as ‘muti murders’ – do indeed occur in Botswana. See my posts of 2018 (referring to a suspected ritual murder case in 2017), 2019 (referring to a 2006 case), 2020 (including a 2011 article), 2021, 2022 (detailing a devastating 2019 report) and 2023. Some of these posts concern albino victims, see the 2022 post mentioned. In 2023 then Botswana president Mokgweetsi Masisi (2018-2024) condemned ritual murder practices.
Hence, Minister Mohwasa’s statement may be theoretically true, in the strict sense of the law, but that says nothing about the fact that ritual murder does indeed occur in Botswana. (webmaster FVDK).
‘There is no such thing as ritual killings in our laws’ – Minister for State President, Defence, and Security Moeti Mohwasa
Published: March 24, 2026 By: Mmegionline – Botwana
This was revealed by the Minister for State President, Defence, and Security Moeti Mohwasa. Mohwasa was responding to a parliamentary question from Member of Parliament (MP) for Serowe South, Leepetswe Lesedi.
Lesedi had sought to find out from government a comprehensive report on the number of persons who have gone missing and those who have been reported missing in Botswana in the last 10 years.
The MP also sought to find out how many cases were due to kidnapping and ritual killings and what is being done to sensitize the public about such incidents.
To which the minister explained, “ In our statuses in general and the penal code in particular , we don’t have an offence called ritual killing. We are therefore constrained to speak to a crime that is not in our statutes. The taking of human life is criminalised as murder’.
Mohwasa however admitted that the country is currently grappling with high number of reported missing persons.
“Most of them are the youth who go away without informing their relatives and guardians about their whereabouts. 6677 reports of missing persons which involved 6765 from 2016 to 2025 of the total, 3,412 were male , whilst 3,353 were female,” the Minister shared.
The Minister further stated that through search efforts by the police, the communities and publication on BPS Facebook page a total of 6,3330 missing persons were recovered while 426 were never recovered.
According to statistics in 2023 Botswana recorded 728 missing persons with 686 found, and 42 still missing, in 2024 709 were reported, with 647 found whilst 62 are still missing , in 2025 a total of 618 missing persons report was filed whilst 586 were recovered 32 are still missing.
Warning: the following post contains graphic details of abductions, mutilations and other criminal acts including murder which may upset readers.
Unfortunately, the abduction, mutilation and killing of persons with albinism for ritualistic purposes have never disappeared in the Southern African country of Malawi. I have devoted considerable attention to this in the past.
Without pretending to be exhaustive I refer to the following posts: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024. Interested readers may use the dropdown menu (under ‘African countries’) for all posts on Malawi. For last year, 2025, I may refer to an article published by The Guardian, A friend killed, and inquiries shelved: life fighting the stigma of albinism in Malawi (not covered on the present ste). It draws attention to the increasing fear among people with albinism in light of the scheduled elections.
As has been reported before, there exists a link between an increase of reported ritualistic killings and elections (see my March 18 post) – and Malawi does not seem to be an exception – whereas the Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) has drawn attention to the connivance of certain politicians who obstruct fair investigations into reported attacks on people with albinism and ritual murder cases or sweep them under the rug, see my 2021 post on the subject.
The Malawi-based journalist and media professional Benson Kunchezera has a strong focus on development reporting, particularly in areas such as agriculture, digital innovation, public health, and environmental sustainability. Besides the just mentioned areas of interest and competence he is also interested in human rights issues in particular the position of persons with albinism and their plight in some countries notably Malawi. I commend him for drawing international attention to the precarious position of people with albinism in Malawi and highly recommended reading his recently published article on this topic.
Malawi’s renewed attacks on persons with albinism raise alarm
Attacks, abductions, and grave tampering targeting persons with albinism have resurfaced across Malawi in 2026, reigniting fears that the country’s progress on protecting this vulnerable community is unravelling. Civil society is fighting back — but without a renewed national action plan, advocates warn the worst may be yet to come.
The story of Flora Saidi remains one of the most painful reminders of the violence faced by people with albinism in Malawi. According to accounts documented by advocacy organisations supporting persons with albinism in the country.
Flora Saidi
It was a Monday morning in 2003 when Flora Saidi left her home in Kadewere village under Traditional Authority Chowe in Mangochi, hoping to find piecework to feed her family. She left behind her 19-year-old son, Saidi Daitoni, a young man with albinism.
When she returned home empty-handed later that afternoon, her son had managed to earn a small amount of money. They agreed to share it with his girlfriend, who was visiting. Saidi left with her to look for change so they could divide the money properly. He never returned.
The following morning, Flora began searching for him. By then, he had disappeared. Police were informed, and after a search, his body was discovered near a residence he had visited the previous evening. Some of his body parts had been removed. The perpetrator was later sentenced to 155 years in prison with hard labour.
PERSISTENT THREATS IN RURAL MALAWI
Malawi has 134,636 persons with albinism, with over 117,000 living in rural areas. It is in these rural communities where poverty, limited law-enforcement presence, and entrenched myths combine to create dangerous conditions.
Persons with Albinism, especially in the southern African regions face persecutions, because their body parts are believed to bring lack of wealth after being mixed with some concoctions by a witch doctor.
Others believe that when they have unprotected sexual intercourse with a person with albinism they can get cured of HIV/ AIDS.
The Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) has documented fresh cases in districts including Mulanje, Kasungu, and Dowa. Grave tampering and disappearances have reignited fear among families who had begun to feel cautiously safe.
In February 2018, Amnesty International published a joint report by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the Malawi Police Force with 148 cases reported in Malawi’s four districts.
Recently, in 2026, more than 4 cases of persons with Albinism have been recorded by the Malawi Police Service ranging from attacks, abductions and tampering of graves in some parts of the country.
“We thought we were coming to an end of these attacks,” Maynard Zacharia, APAM’s National Coordinator, told FairPlanet. “Now we are seeing signs that the underlying issues were never fully resolved.”
Maynard Zacharia
COMMUNITY PROTECTION IN ACTION
In response, APAM has intensified its on-the-ground efforts. The organisation is not only condemning attacks publicly but also mobilising communities in hotspot districts such as Machinga.
One strategy involves relocating children with albinism from high-risk areas to safer homes. In some cases, this means placing them in boarding facilities or with vetted guardians where security is stronger. At the same time, APAM is lobbying authorities and partners to invest in secure-housing projects with reinforced doors, burglar bars, and community-based surveillance systems.
Beyond physical protection, APAM is conducting awareness campaigns aimed at dismantling the myths that drive violence. Working with chiefs, faith leaders, and local youth groups, activists hold community dialogues that confront harmful beliefs directly. In village meetings, survivors and families share testimonies, reframing albinism as a genetic condition rather than a mystical anomaly.
“These conversations are not easy,” Zacharia told FairPlanet. “But we have seen that when traditional leaders publicly reject the myths, attitudes begin to shift.”
The organisation is also pressing for the conclusion of more than 28 long-pending court cases involving murder and abduction. By monitoring proceedings and engaging legal-aid partners, APAM hopes to prevent cases from stalling indefinitely — a pattern that erodes public trust.
Kaiyatsa told FairPlanet that fear remains a major barrier to reporting threats. In rural areas, families often hesitate to approach police due to mistrust in the justice system and fear of retaliation.
According to him, the situation was further complicated by the controversial pardon of police officers previously convicted in connection with an albinism-related killing. For rights groups, the decision sent a damaging signal.
“To victims’ families, it suggested that justice can be undone,” Kaiyatsa told FairPlanet. “To would-be offenders, it reinforced the perception that accountability is not guaranteed.”
Michael Kaiyatsa
In response, CHRR and other organisations have stepped up advocacy for witness-protection mechanisms and independent monitoring of investigations. They are pushing Parliament and relevant ministries to allocate dedicated funding for protection programmes and to ensure that cases are prioritised within the judiciary.
REVIVING NATIONAL COMMITMENTS
Malawi once drew international praise for adopting a National Action Plan on the Protection of Persons with Albinism. However, the plan expired in 2022 and has yet to be renewed, leaving what activists describe as a dangerous coordination gap.
“Commitments on paper are not enough,” Zacharia says. “We need implementation that reaches the village level.”
REBUILDING TRUST FROM THE GROUND UP
On the ground, solutions are increasingly community-driven. In some districts, local committees made up of chiefs, police representatives, teachers, and activists meet regularly to assess risks and share information. Informal early-warning systems — such as community WhatsApp groups with coordinated night patrols-have been introduced in certain high-risk areas.
Civil society organisations are advocating for long-term assistance for affected families, including counselling, educational support for orphaned children, and income-generating projects for households that have lost breadwinners.
These initiatives aim not only to respond to attacks but to address their ripple-effects — school dropouts, psychological trauma, and deepening poverty.
A FRAGILE BUT DETERMINED PROGRESS
Organisations such as the Scotland Malawi Partnership insist that regression is not inevitable. They point to the increasing visibility of persons with albinism in advocacy spaces, media platforms, and leadership roles.
Flora Saidi, though still grieving, has participated in community meetings where she shares her story. Her testimony serves both as a warning and a call to action.
For Malawi, the struggle to protect persons with albinism is about more than ending ritual killings. It is about strengthening rural policing, restoring faith in the justice system, and dismantling centuries-old myths.
For people like Flora Saidi, safety is still uncertain, but hope lies in the quiet work happening in villages and communities across Malawi.
Their efforts may not end the attacks overnight. But for families living in fear, each community meeting, each court case and each safe home built is a step toward something simple with the chance to live an ordinary life without fear.
Ritual killings in Uganda are rampant. I have frequently paid attention to this scourge which terrifies the population of this East-African country. In the current year alone I published eight posts on ritualistic crimes. According to official sources, police recorded at least 78 cases of ritual killings in 2024 (NB: more the one every week!), up from 62 cases in 2023 and 49 in 2022. Reportedly, children make up a significant proportion of the victims. However, it cannot be excluded that reported cases are only the tip of the iceberg. Human right groups in Uganda claim that many ritual murder cases go unreported (see below).
In his 2025 annual Christmas message, the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, commented on the growing number of children who were reported missing and were later found dead, brutally murdered, and in some cases with body parts missing.
Read the full story below. (webmaster FVDK)
Kabaka Condemns Ritual Killings and Urges Protection of Children
The Kabaka also warned about the return of violent criminal gangs, including machete-wielding attackers who target people at night, saying the combination of ritual killings and organised crime had heightened insecurity.
The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, has strongly condemned the rise in ritual killings in Uganda, especially those involving children, warning that the resurgence of such crimes is spreading fear in communities and threatening public safety.
In his annual Christmas message, the cultural monarch said there were growing reports of children going missing and later being found brutally murdered, with some cases involving mutilation.
“We continue to hear reports of people whose children disappear and never return. Later we read in newspapers that some children are brutally killed and their body parts cut off,” the Kabaka said, adding that many Ugandans had believed such acts were a thing of the past.
“We thought these crimes had ended, but they have resurfaced again,” he said.
Uganda Police Force data shows that ritual murders remain a serious concern.
According to the force’s latest annual crime report, police recorded at least 78 cases of ritual killings in 2024, up from 62 cases in 2023 and 49 in 2022. Police say children make up a significant proportion of the victims. (italics and bold letter type added by the webmaster FVDK).
Authorities have linked many of the killings to criminal networks exploiting beliefs in quick wealth or power through human sacrifice, with cases reported mainly in rural districts across central and eastern Uganda.
The Kabaka also warned about the return of violent criminal gangs, including machete-wielding attackers who target people at night, saying the combination of ritual killings and organised crime had heightened insecurity.
He urged parents and communities to take extra precautions to protect children, particularly during the festive season.
Children
“We appeal to everyone to be vigilant and to protect ourselves and our children, especially during this festive period,” he said.
The monarch called on security agencies to step up efforts to protect citizens and their property, warning that failure to act decisively emboldens criminals and erodes public trust.
“Protecting life is a shared duty,” he said, stressing the importance of moral upbringing, community vigilance and cooperation between cultural institutions, local leaders and the state.
Uganda outlawed ritual sacrifice under the Prevention and Prohibition of Human Sacrifice Act, but rights groups say enforcement gaps remain and many cases go unreported due to fear of reprisals. (italics and bold letter type added by the webmaster FVDK).
Sanwo-Olu, others seek continental battle against human trafficking, ritual killings
Published: October 28, 2025 By: Adebisi Onanuga – The Nation Online, Nigeria
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State yesterday urged African leaders to form a united continental front against human trafficking and ritual killings.
He described human trafficking and ritual killings as “heinous crimes that strip victims of their dignity and humanity.”
The governor spoke through the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, at the First Annual Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking.
The colloquium was convened by the state’s Ministry of Justice and held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Isaac John Street, GRA, Ikeja.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the fight against ritual abuse and human trafficking must transcend borders, institutions, and communities if Africa must reclaim its moral integrity.
“Human trafficking is not an abstract problem — it is real and close to home.
“It affects millions across Africa, especially women and children, through forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and ritual abuse. Behind every statistic is a name, a face, and a story of pain that we must never ignore.”
The governor described the colloquium, themed ‘A United Front Against Ritual Abuse and Sacrifice’, as a “continental rallying point for Africa’s moral awakening,” stressing that collaboration among governments, NGOs, law enforcement, and communities is key to dismantling trafficking networks.
According to him, “The words ‘A United Front’ remind us that this evil knows no boundaries. It can only be defeated through shared action, intelligence, and compassion.
He condemned the myths and superstitions fuelling ritual killings, describing them as “barbaric relics that have no place in a modern, progressive Africa.”
“Governments must work with civil society, religious and traditional leaders, and even the private sector to expose traffickers and protect victims”, he said
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that public enlightenment remains crucial in breaking the chain of silence that sustains human trafficking and ritual practices.
“We must educate our communities about the signs of trafficking and empower them to report suspicious activities.
“We must also strengthen our laws to ensure offenders are swiftly prosecuted while victims receive proper care and rehabilitation.”
The Governor noted that the Lagos State Task Force Against Human Trafficking, in partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and international organisations, has intensified prosecution, public education, and survivor rehabilitation.
“But the government alone cannot win this fight. It demands a coalition of justice ministries, law enforcement, community leaders, and faith-based organisations.”
“We must defeat these dangerous myths that equate human life with power, success, or protection.
“Our progress must be built on knowledge, empathy, and faith in lawful advancement — not blood”, he said.
“Let this colloquium mark the day we moved from words to work.
“Together, as one united front, we will protect our people, punish the perpetrators, and restore dignity to those harmed”, he said.
“This is our moment to declare that our people are not for sale, our children are not sacrifices, and our future will never be built on fear or blood,” he said.
The Governor affirmed Lagos State’s commitment to lead Africa’s regional campaign against human trafficking and ritual abuse.
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in his address at the colloquium reaffirmed federal government’s commitment to intensifying the fight against human trafficking, ritual exploitation, and migrant smuggling across Africa describing them as “crimes that diminish humanity and betray the principles of human rights.”
The AGF who was represented by Team Lead for Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (TIPSOM) at the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Ezinne Nwokoro, said the government is determined to dismantle trafficking networks through coordinated legal, diplomatic, and community-based responses.
Mrs Nwokoro said the Attorney-General of the Federation has prioritized anti-trafficking reform through a combination of legislative review, enhanced partnership with NAPTIP, and expanded international cooperation frameworks.
“These reforms are building systems that not only punish offenders but prevent trafficking before it begins,” she said.
“We are creating a future where justice is accessible, survivors are supported, and the vulnerable are no longer prey.”
She declared the federal government’s full support for the outcomes of the colloquium and urged all participants to move from dialogue to action.
“This is not just another event,” she said, adding ,“it is a call to conscience — a gathering of people working, in different ways, to confront the painful reality of human trafficking, ritual abuse, and human sacrifice in Africa.”
According to her, ritual-linked trafficking represents an even darker evolution of the crime. “Traffickers no longer just exploit poverty and desperation — they exploit belief systems and cultural fears.
“Victims are often made to take oaths or undergo rituals designed to enslave them psychologically, making escape almost impossible. We’ve seen this pattern in cases within Nigeria and from other African countries”, she said.
Mrs. Nwokoro noted that this emerging dimension makes collaboration indispensable, adding, “if traffickers can collaborate across borders, so must we.
“We need more than laws; we need communities that are vigilant, justice systems that protect, and survivor voices that lead.
“Let this not just be a conference,” she said, “but a call to action — one guided by the stories of survivors and the responsibility we all share to protect them.
“The fight against human trafficking is not one government’s struggle; it is humanity’s shared duty. Together, we can build an Africa where no one is for sale, no one is sacrificed, and every life is valued,”, he said.
The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, (SAN), urged African nations to unite in action against the growing scourge of ritual killings and human trafficking, describing the crimes as “commercialised evil” that thrive on poverty, desperation, and silence.”
Pedro said the event was “not just another conference but a continental call to conscience aimed at reclaiming the sanctity of human life in Africa.
“Ritual abuse and human sacrifices are not myths. They are real, expanding, and destroying lives across our communities,” the Attorney-General declared.
Pedro cited disturbing cases across Nigeria that reveal the deepening connection between human trafficking and ritual crimes.
He recalled recent incidents including the abduction and murder of two seven-year-old cousins, Chizaram and Chidinma Onuche, in Port Harcourt; the killing of a college student in Ilorin for ritual purposes; and the arrest of two pastors in Rivers State found with coffins and skulls.
“These are not isolated tragedies,” he said.
According to him, “the National Bureau of Statistics recorded over 150 ritual killings in six months, many involving youths deceived by the false promise of quick wealth.”(italics added by the webmaster FVDK).
He lamented that human trafficking has evolved into a global, organised, and highly profitable enterprise.
He described human trafficking as a high-profit, low-risk crime linked to organised criminal networks.
He said globally, profits from human trafficking are estimated at 236 billion dollars annually,” he said.
Pedro, who also chairs the Lagos State Task Force Against Human Trafficking, outlined the state’s multi-pronged response to the menace.
He said: “between 2022 and 2024, over 4,700 victims were rescued and supported, while five million residents were reached through community awareness campaigns.”
He highlighted the enactment of the Lagos State Organ Harvesting Prohibition Law 2024, which criminalises organ trafficking and imposes severe penalties on offenders, including medical professionals involved in illegal human organ trade.
Pedro stressed that no single nation can win the battle alone, urging African countries to collaborate across borders in prevention, prosecution, and victim protection.
“This evil will continue to thrive where nations fail to collaborate,” he said. “Africa must rise — not in rhetoric but in responsibility.”
He commended Pepperdine University and the Sudreau Global Justice Institute for partnering with Lagos since 2022 on justice reforms, adding that their collaboration had grown into a continental mission against human trafficking and ritual crimes.
“Let history say that from Lagos in 2025, Africa took a stand and never turned back,” he said. “Let us refuse to accept the killing of our children as normal, reject the exploitation of women, and silence that empowers crime. When Africa chooses unity over isolation, we can protect the vulnerable and safeguard human dignity.”
The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, in his address, described human trafficking and ritual abuse as a global pandemic deeply rooted in the history of slavery.
He called for stronger community vigilance, legal enforcement, and international collaboration to eradicate the menace.
Justice Alogba urged local communities to take the lead in identifying and reporting suspicious activities. “If the community does not perceive human trafficking and ritual abuse as wrong, perpetrators will continue to go unpunished. Every citizen must be their neighbour’s keeper,” he added.
Justice Alogba lamented that centuries after the abolition of slavery, its modern offshoots — human trafficking, ritual killings, and organ trade — still thrive under different guises for economic purposes.
“Ritual abuse and sacrifice are grim offshoots of slavery, initially driven by economic motives,” he stated.
The Chief Judge stressed that the problem cannot be effectively addressed without tackling the social and cultural beliefs that continue to justify the exploitation of human beings.
“Our cultural ethos must be properly investigated. The use of human beings for rituals or any form of abuse, no matter how it is rationalized, is evil. The fight must start from our communities,” he said.
Justice Alogba emphasized the need for proper training and motivation for law enforcement and investigative officers, describing them as the “foot soldiers” in the anti-trafficking campaign. According to him, traffickers are now well-organized and heavily funded, requiring equal sophistication in combating their operations.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Lagos State Government, Justice Alogba commended the legislature for enacting stiff penalties against offenders and pledged that the judiciary would enforce the law with strictness.
“The Lagos judiciary will ensure that anyone found guilty of trafficking or ritual abuse faces stringent punishment in accordance with the law,” he assured.
The Chief Judge called for broader collaboration beyond Africa, noting that trafficking networks have become intercontinental. He concluded by stressing that sustained public sensitization and awareness are critical to winning the battle.
“Government, communities, and individuals must unite against this social pandemic. Sensitization and education remain our strongest tools,” he said.
The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs. Binta Bello warned that the growing nexus between ritual abuse, human sacrifice, and human trafficking poses a grave threat to Africa’s moral fabric and security.
The NAPTIP DG who was represented by the Director of Intelligence, Mr. Josiah Emerole, described ritual-linked trafficking as one of the “darkest and most complex forms of human exploitation” that has for too long escaped direct confrontation.”
“The intersection between ritual abuse and human trafficking is not theoretical — it is a lived reality for countless victims,” she said. “In Nigeria and across West Africa, young people are being trapped in cycles of exploitation by fear, superstition, and coercion disguised as culture.”
Bello explained that from the early years of NAPTIP’s operations, investigators confronted the use of juju oaths, fetish rituals, and sacrifices to silence victims trafficked abroad for sexual exploitation. “Victims were forced to take deadly oaths before native priests, binding them into fear and obedience,” she said. “These rituals were more powerful than chains; they enslaved the mind.”
Although NAPTIP has since achieved major progress — including the 2017 intervention of the Benin Monarch to abolish ritual oaths — Bello lamented that ritual abuse has not disappeared.
“It has simply evolved, travelling across borders and taking new forms in destination countries,” she said.
She cited a 2008 incident in which a voodoo priest arrested by NAPTIP died mysteriously in custody after warning officers not to cross certain rivers — a case that led to the arrest of NAPTIP officers by police investigators.
“Such incidents complicate prosecutions, stall investigations, and sometimes erode public confidence,” she explained. “These crimes are not just spiritual or cultural; they are legal and human rights issues that demand coordinated action.”
Bello also revealed that investigating ritual-linked trafficking remains one of the most challenging aspects of law enforcement.
The NAPTIP boss cited data from the National Bureau of Statistics showing that over 150 ritual killings were recorded in the first half of 2025 alone, with women and youths as major victims. The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), she noted, also documented over 168 ritual-related deaths in 2022 and nearly 100 in 2024.(italics added by the webmaster FVDK)
“These are not random acts of violence,” she stressed. “They are symptoms of a deeper disease — poverty, inequality, erosion of values, and belief in the efficacy of human sacrifice as a path to success. Weak law enforcement and judicial bottlenecks have further emboldened perpetrators.”
According to her, the Lagos colloquium marks a historic moment for Africa’s anti-trafficking movement.
Bello said the gathering aligns with Nigeria’s National Action Plan on Human Trafficking (2022–2026), which rests on five pillars: Policy, Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnerships.
Bello pledged NAPTIP’s full commitment to implementing the outcomes of the colloquium in collaboration with domestic and international partners.
“By putting ritual abuse at the centre of this global discussion, we are redefining the future of counter-trafficking work,” she affirmed.
“The lives of our children and women are too precious to be sacrificed at the altar of greed or superstition. The dignity of our people is sacred — and the cost of inaction is far too high.”
Director of the Sudreau Global Justice Institute, Pepperdine University, USA, Prof. Cameron Collum, also called for a united African response to end ritual abuse and human sacrifice, describing the practices as “pure evil” that must be confronted through collective action, policy reform, and justice system strengthening across the continent.
Prof. Collum praised Nigeria’s renowned hospitality and the choice of Lagos as the host city, saying the state represents “the heartbeat of Africa” and a continental leader capable of influencing change.
He explained that Pepperdine University, based in Los Angeles, California, operates on five continents and is committed to using academic resources to make tangible social impact.
“We don’t want to be a university lost in academic theories; we want to work alongside leaders to achieve real results,” he said.
According to him, Pepperdine’s partnership with Africa began over 20 years ago in Uganda, when the university helped establish a fast-track juvenile justice system that expedited trials for detained minors. The initiative, he said, led to the creation of a broader plea-bargaining system that improved access to justice and reduced prolonged pre-trial detentions.
“Uganda’s success story inspired other countries to replicate similar reforms, and today, we are working with nearly 20 African nations on justice initiatives — including anti-human trafficking and rule of law projects,” Collum noted.
He stressed that while human trafficking is widely acknowledged and addressed globally, ritual abuse and human sacrifice remain largely unspoken issues. “Everywhere I go, leaders acknowledge ritual killings as a real problem, yet few programs tackle it. This conference aims to change that by starting a Pan-African conversation to end these atrocities,” he declared.
Collum said the two-day colloquium was designed to be action-oriented rather than academic, bringing together about 200 delegates from 15 African countries, including policymakers, judges, prosecutors, NGOs, and community leaders.
“With collaboration, courage, and leadership from places like Nigeria, I believe we can end the evil of ritual sacrifice once and for all,” he concluded.
What can I add? I am so glad with the mounting interest in the importance of the fight against ritual killing, human sacrifice, witchcraft and superstition! Read the good news below. (webmaster FVDK)
Lagos AG, CJ call for continental front to confront ritual killings, trafficking
Published: October 23, 2025 By: Israel Arogbonlo – Nigerian Tribune
Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, SAN
The growing scourge of ritual killings and human trafficking, described as commercialised evil thriving on poverty and silence, has drawn a firm call for united continental action from the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, SAN and the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba.
Speaking at the inaugural Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking: A United Front Against Ritual Abuse and Sacrifice in Lagos, Pedro stressed that the event was not merely a conference, but a continental call to conscience aimed at reclaiming the sanctity of human life in Africa.
“Ritual abuse and human sacrifices are not myths. They are real, expanding, and destroying lives across our communities”, the Attorney-General declared.
He warned that “Silence has never protected the vulnerable, it only protects the oppressor,” and urged all stakeholders to break that silence with truth, collaboration, and action.
Pedro stressed the disturbing convergence of human trafficking and ritual crimes, citing recent, high-profile tragedies across Nigeria.
These included the abduction and murder of two seven-year-old cousins, Chizaram and Chidinma Onuche, in Port Harcourt; the ritual-related killing of a college student in Ilorin; and the arrest of two Rivers State pastors found in possession of human skulls and coffins.
He backed his warnings with statistics, noting that the National Bureau of Statistics recorded over 150 ritual killings in six months (bold letter-type added by the webmaster FVDK) many of which involved youths lured by the false promise of quick wealth.
The Attorney-General pointed out that human trafficking has evolved into a global, highly profitable enterprise.
He cited global estimates placing the profits from human trafficking at a staggering $236 billion annually, confirming its status as a high-profit, low-risk crime linked to organised criminal networks.
Pedro, who also chairs the Lagos State Task Force Against Human Trafficking, detailed the state’s proactive steps to combat the menace.
According to the AG, “Between 2022 and 2024, the state rescued and supported over 4,700 victims and reached five million residents through extensive community awareness campaigns.
“Furthermore, Lagos trained 109 local government focal persons as anti-trafficking advocates and expanded shelter facilities for survivors.”
He also pointed out the enactment of the Lagos State Organ Harvesting Prohibition Law 2024.
This legislation, he said, criminalises organ trafficking and imposes severe penalties on offenders, including medical professionals involved in the illegal human organ trade.
Stressing the need for borderless cooperation, Pedro insisted that no single nation can defeat crime alone.
“This evil will continue to thrive where nations fail to collaborate. Africa must rise, not in rhetoric but in responsibility,” he posited.
Pedro commended international partners, Pepperdine University and the Sudreau Global Justice Institute, for their collaboration on justice reforms, which has now grown into a continental mission.
Reinforcing the call to action, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, described human trafficking and ritual abuse as a global pandemic deeply rooted in the history of slavery.
He lamented that centuries after slavery’s formal abolition, its modern offshoots, human trafficking, ritual killings, and organ trade, continue to thrive under new guises, primarily for economic gain.
“Human trafficking is a business because financial considerations are involved,” Justice Alogba stated, adding that “Ritual abuse and sacrifice are grim offshoots of slavery, initially driven by economic motives.”
The Chief Judge insisted that an effective solution must address the deep-seated social and cultural beliefs that still attempt to rationalise the exploitation of human beings.
He called for a proper investigation of cultural ethos, stressing that “The use of human beings for rituals or any form of abuse, no matter how it is rationalised, is evil. The fight must start from our communities.”
Justice Alogba urged local communities to serve as the first line of defence by enhancing vigilance and reporting suspicious activities.
“If the community does not perceive human trafficking and ritual abuse as wrong, perpetrators will continue to go unpunished.
Every citizen must be their neighbour’s keeper,” he asserted.
The CJ also called for improved training and motivation for law enforcement and investigative officers, who he termed the foot soldiers in the anti-trafficking campaign, noting that traffickers’ operations are now well-organised and heavily funded.
Pledging the judiciary’s commitment, the Chief Judge assured that the Lagos judiciary would ensure that anyone found guilty of trafficking or ritual abuse faces stringent punishment in accordance with the law.
Lagos Calls for United African Action Against Ritual Killings
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for a united continental effort to combat ritual abuse and human sacrifice, emphasizing that the fight cannot be won in isolation but must be pursued collectively across borders, institutions, and communities. Speaking at the opening of the First …
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for a united continental effort to combat ritual abuse and human sacrifice, emphasizing that the fight cannot be won in isolation but must be pursued collectively across borders, institutions, and communities.
Speaking at the opening of the First Annual Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking in Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed that collaboration is essential, noting that “this evil knows no boundaries.”
The Lagos state government through the Ministry of Justice organized the two-day programme in partnership with U.S.-based Pepperdine University, with the theme, “A United Front Against Ritual Abuse and Sacrifice.”
Described as one of the most heinous crimes against humanity, the governor says, “Human trafficking is not an abstract problem. It is real, and it is close to home. It affects millions across Africa especially women and children through forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and the deeply troubling cases of ritual abuse and sacrifice. Behind every statistic is a face, a name, and a story of pain that must never be ignored.”
(….. illegible….) we are strengthening prosecution systems, rehabilitating survivors, and raising public awareness. But the government alone cannot win this fight. It demands a united front, a coalition of justice ministries, law enforcement, traditional and religious leaders, community-based organizations, and the private sector.” The event also serves as a united move to dispel the dangerous myths that wrongly link power, success, or protection to the taking of human life, which fuel ritual abuse. On his part, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), represented by Ezinne Nwaokoro, says the fight against human trafficking is now a national priority, which is why this colloquium matters. ”If traffickers can collaborate across borders, so must we. And beyond just legal tools, we need strong communities, survivor voices, regional partnerships, and a justice system that protects — not traumatises — those who come forward.” The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, commended the legislature for enacting stiff penalties against offenders and pledged that the judiciary would enforce the law with strictness. “The Lagos judiciary will ensure that anyone found guilty of trafficking or ritual abuse faces stringent punishment in accordance with the law,” he assured.
He also urged local communities to take the lead in identifying and reporting suspicious activities. “If the community does not perceive human trafficking and ritual abuse as wrong, perpetrators will continue to go unpunished. Every citizen must be their neighbour’s keeper,” he added. The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, who also chairs the Lagos State Task Force Against Human Trafficking, outlined the state’s multi-pronged response to the menace. Between 2022 and 2024, he said, over 4,700 victims were rescued and supported, while five million residents were reached through community awareness campaigns. Lagos also trained 109 local government focal persons as anti-trafficking advocates and expanded shelters for survivors.
He further highlighted the enactment of the Lagos State Organ Harvesting Prohibition Law 2024, which criminalises organ trafficking and imposes severe penalties on offenders, including medical professionals involved in illegal human organ trade. “Let history say that from Lagos in 2025, Africa took a stand and never turned back,” he said. “Let us refuse to accept the killing of our children as normal, reject the exploitation of women, and silence that empowers crime. When Africa chooses unity over isolation, we can protect the vulnerable and safeguard human dignity.” The Director of the Sudreau Global Justice Institute, Pepperdine University, USA, Prof. Cameron Collum, called for a united African response to end ritual abuse and human sacrifice, describing the practices as “pure evil” that must be confronted through collective action, policy reform, and justice system strengthening across the continent. “While human trafficking is widely acknowledged and addressed globally, ritual abuse and human sacrifice remain largely unspoken issues. Everywhere I go, leaders acknowledge ritual killings as a real problem, yet few programs tackle it. This conference aims to change that by starting a Pan-African conversation to end these atrocities,” he declared.
The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, also warned that the growing nexus between ritual abuse, human sacrifice, and human trafficking poses a grave threat to Africa’s moral fabric and security.
(… illegible….) over 150 ritual killings were recorded in the first half of 2025 alone (bold letter-type added by the webmaster FVDK), with women and youths as major victims. The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), also documented over 168 ritual-related deaths in 2022 and nearly 100 in 2024. According to her, the Lagos colloquium marks a historic moment for Africa’s anti-trafficking movement. “For too long, global discussions on trafficking have focused narrowly on sexual and labour exploitation,” she said. “Today, we are expanding that conversation to include ritual abuse and sacrifice — equally grave violations of human rights and dignity.” The programme brought together about 200 delegates made up of lawyers, policymakers, judges, prosecutors, NGOs, and community leaders, from across the country and 15 African countries, Including Kenya, Uganda, Cameroun, and Tanzania. The conveners say the Colloquium would become an annual event to track progress, strengthen partnerships, and sustain reforms across the continent.
There are not many in-depth studies of the phenomenon of ritual murders and even less of the killing of children for ritualistic purposes. The article below discusses the ritual murder of children in Ghana and Kenya, examines who the perpetrators are and why they came to their crime.
The study by Emmanuel Sarpong Owusu is a must read. The author is to be commended for a serious and interesting study.
Interestingly, a number of the author’s findings and conclusions – based on online news reports in eight media outlets in Ghana and Kenya and on interviews with 28 experts – are consistent with my experiences after years of studying ritual killings in Sub-Saharan Africa. In particular I wish to mention here the main factors driving the motivation of the majority of the ritual murderers: superstition, greed and illiteracy, whereas the for various reasons failing reaction of authorities and the resulting lack of rule of law facilitate the impunity and the continuity of the cruel and outdated phenomenon.
According to the study, in Ghana, the media reported at least 160 ritual murders between 2012 and 2021. Of this number, 94 (about 58.8%) were children. Of the 102 ritual murders in Kenya in the study period (2012-2021), 66 (64.7%) were children.
I refer to the study below for more details. Please note that, unfortunately, three links in the original article seem to be incorrect: (i) ‘juju in Ghana’ leads to general information on juju (link should be placed under ‘juju’); (ii) ‘juju in Kenya’ leads to nowhere; (iii) reference to members of occult sects leads to ‘juju in Kenya’. (webmaster FVDK).
Ritual murder of children: study in Ghana and Kenya explores who’s doing it and why
Published: April 15, 2025 By: Emmanuel Sarpong Owusu – The Conversation, UK
Superstition, an irrational belief in paranormal influences or a false attribution of events, is an age-old phenomenon found in probably all human societies or cultures. It encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices and behaviours. Some of these have harmful or even deadly consequences.
In many African communities, there are widespread beliefs relating to the use of human body parts for traditional healing rituals. Human body parts and blood are said to enhance the potency of traditional medicines and rituals that supposedly guarantee wealth, business success, fertility, protection and longevity, among others.
Ritual killings, including those of children, are reported regularly around Africa. A case in point is the targeting of children with albinism for ritual purposes in Tanzania. One research report says one in five people in Mozambique and one in four people in South Africa believe that rituals and traditional medicines made with human body parts are more potent and effective than those using nonhuman objects.
Children are particularly targeted for killing because they can’t repel attacks, and because of beliefs about the potency of their body parts. The victims in more than half of all the ritual murders reported in Ghana and Kenya in 2022 were children.
I am a legal scholar with years of research on superstition-driven crimes against vulnerable groups in African settings and the criminal justice response to such crimes. In a recent study I explored the magnitude, characteristics and motivations, as well as the socio-cultural and economic contexts, of ritual child murder in Ghana and Kenya. My study was carried out through in-depth analysis of news reports of ritual murders for a period of 10 years, coupled with semi-structured interviews with academics and other experts.
I found that the major factors contributing to the persistence of ritual child murders were superstition, economic hardship, illiteracy and inefficient criminal justice systems. A new consumerist ethos also plays a role: wanting a life of luxury and the admiration that comes with it.
The study seeks to enhance awareness of the ritual child murder phenomenon and encourage support for the enforcement of child rights protection laws. When policymakers know more about the scale and circumstances of ritual child murders, they are better equipped to act on it.
Ritual murders in Ghana and Kenya
Belief in juju is widespread in Ghana and Kenya. This is the belief that people can mystically control events by using incantations (“magic words”) and, sometimes, objects.
My study analysed data drawn from online news reports in eight media outlets in Ghana and Kenya. I used media content because the countries don’t have national data sets on ritual homicide, and empirical research is limited. Secondly, I interviewed 28 experts in criminology and criminal justice, sociology, African religions, and child and family welfare and social protection. These participants were selected using the purposeful sampling technique.
In Ghana, the media reported at least 160 ritual murders between 2012 and 2021. Of this number, 94 (about 58.8%) were children. This suggests that an average of 9.4 children fall victim to ritual murder each year in the country. Of the 102 ritual murders in Kenya in the study period, 66 (64.7%) were children. This represents an annual average of 6.6 in the country.
In both countries, most victims (over 80%) tend to be drawn from families of low socio-economic backgrounds in rural and semi-rural communities. In Kenya, children with albinism are also targeted.
The overwhelming majority of offenders are males. There are three main categories of perpetrators of ritual child murders:
the juju practitioner or traditional healer who usually prescribes the required body parts and effects the medicine or ritual
the client who consults traditional healers and stands to benefit directly from the ritual or medicine
the (hired) ritual murderer, who abducts the victim and extracts the required body parts.
Data from media reports show that most of the perpetrators apprehended are those directly involved in the killing. They are usually aged between 20 and 39 years and of low socio-economic status in rural communities. However, some interviewees insisted that some rich and prominent persons are also involved.
In Ghana, uncles, fathers and stepfathers were the dominant perpetrators in cases where victims and perpetrators were known to be related. Unlike other types of homicide, ritual child murder generally involves strangers nearly as often as it involves family members and acquaintances.
Motivations and responses
The dominant motivation for ritual murder is financial gain. This conclusion is drawn from the media accounts and the interviews. Perpetrators are promised money in exchange for specific human body parts. Others kill to use the body parts for rituals that are supposed to ensure a long life, fertility, business growth, or protection against evil. In Kenya, some perpetrators kill in fulfillment of their obligations as members of occult sects.
Other factors that sustain the practice – based on media reports and interviews – are superstition, unemployment and economic hardship. Adding to these are illiteracy, which fosters unfounded beliefs, and an inefficient criminal justice system, which enables these crimes to thrive.
Poor parental supervision is an important risk factor for ritual child murder. In both countries, over 70% of the ritual murder victims were under 10 years old. They were abducted or murdered while going to or returning home from school. Others were abducted while running errands such as fetching water from a stream unaccompanied. Some may have been playing outside their homes unsupervised, or running errands by themselves for relatives.
In both countries, the criminal justice system’s response is evidently ineffective. In Kenya, over 90% of perpetrators are not apprehended. Of 68 suspects arrested in Ghana, only four convictions were reported. Crime scenes are poorly managed and preserved by police officers and detectives in both countries.
Crime scene videos show the victims’ remains being removed by authorities and conveyed to the morgue without diligent forensic examination of the body and the crime scene for evidence.
What governments can do
The belief in the power of juju and associated rituals and medicines cannot be wished away. It can only be combated in various ways:
bringing the activities of traditional healers and occult-related sects under closer scrutiny
promoting education and awareness, emphasising the need for supervision of children
Ritual murder of children: Study in Ghana and Kenya explores who’s doing it and why
Volunteers assist forensic experts and homicide detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), to exhume bodies of suspected followers of a Christian cult named as Good News International Church, whose members believed they would go to heaven if they starved themselves to death, in Shakahola forest of Kilifi county, Kenya April 25, 2023. (PHOTO/ REUTERS)
Published: April 18, 2025 By: The Eastleigh Voice, Kenya
The dark side of superstition and the reality of ritual child murder
Published: around April 20, 2025 By: IOL, Sunday Tribune – South Africa
EMMANUEL SARPONG OWUSU, A DOCTORAL RESEARCHER AND LECTURER AT ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY IN WALES, WRITES ABOUT SUPERSTITION-DRIVEN CRIMES AGAINST VULNERABLE GROUPS IN AFRICAN SETTINGS.
Warning: the following post contains graphic details which may upset readers (webmaster FVDK)..
Nigeria is a federal republic comprising 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja. The 36 states are divided into six geopolitical zones commonly called zones.
Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
The North West (NW), North East (NE) and North Central (NC) zones constitute Northern Nigeria. Politically, historically and culturally we may distinguish Northern and Southern Nigeria, but these broad categories don’t do justice to the great differences that exist within these areas. When I first went to Nigeria, in 1999, I asked a friend who knows the country very well what to expect. ‘Nigeria is a nice set of countries‘, she said.
This short statement says it all. It’s hard to speak of one country, although it has one constitution and one flag and is a member of many international organizations.
The Northern region consists of 19 states and the Federal Capital territory (FCT) of Abuja, the Southern region houses 17 states.
Map of Nigeria showing states in the northern and southern regions.
In the past I have on many occasions paid attention to the scourge of ritualistic murders in Nigeria and related practices such as abductions and torture. Let me suffice to refer to my recent post dated March 15, The horror of ritual killings in Nigeria, which also includes ritual murder cases in Northern Nigeria.
Moreover, it is necessary to emphasize that the number mentioned above refers only to reported ritual killings, and thus in all likelihood is only the tip of the iceberg.
On more than one occasion I’ve stated here that most likely Nigeria holds a dismal continental record of being the country with the highest number of ritual murders – only partly explained by being Africa’s most populous country. Hadiza Musa refers to research by an NGO, the West African Network for Peace Building, revealing that Nigeria recorded 185 ritual-related deaths between January 2021 and January 2022.
In addition, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that over 150 ritual killing cases often linked to young people seeking quick wealth, were recorded in Nigeria in the past six months. (FVDK)
Ritual killings: Experts call for urgent action over rising cases in Northern Nigeria
Published: April 8, 2025 By: Hadiza Musa – Daily Post, Nigeria
“Ritual Killing” a term referring to the intentional murder of individuals for spiritual, economic, or supernatural purposes, often involving body mutilation or organ harvesting were often associated with Southern Nigeria where they were linked to wealth-seeking practices, political power struggles, and deep-rooted traditional beliefs.
Over the years, several high-profile cases have reinforced this perception.
One of the most infamous cases was the 2004 Okija Shrine discovery in Anambra State, where the police uncovered dozens of human skulls and decomposing bodies allegedly used for sacrifices by politicians and businessmen.
Similarly, in 2014, the Ibadan ‘Forest of Horror’ was exposed, revealing a den of ritualists who had abducted, killed, and harvested body parts from their victims.
In recent years, however, there has been a notable shift, with cases of ritual killings increasingly reported in Northern states such as Kwara, Nasarawa, Jigawa, and Bauchi.
While ritual killings were once largely associated with Southern Nigeria, the rising economic challenges and the erosion of moral values have played a significant role in their spread to the North.
Between January and April 2025 alone, at least 10 cases have been reported across Kwara, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Benue, Abuja and Bauchi states.
In January and in Nasarawa State, Timileyin Ajayi, described as a gospel singer, allegedly murdered a lady, 24-year-old Salome Adaidu, and dismembered her body.
He was caught carrying the severed head of his victim in a bag, which alarmed onlookers, leading to his apprehension.
When he was arrested by the police, other dismembered parts of the deceased’s body were recovered from his home.
The deceased, Salome Adaidu was identified as a member of the National Youth Service Corps who was serving in Abuja.
Also, in Kwara, a final-year student, Hafsoh Lawal, was lured and killed by Abdulrahman Bello, a self-proclaimed cleric and her boyfriend whom she met on Facebook.
According to the Kwara State Police Command, the 29-year-old suspect killed Lawal and dismembered her for alleged ritual purposes at a location in the Olunlade area of Ilorin on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
The headless corpse of the pupil was discovered by the roadside in Jikas-Dabaja village, Gwaram Local Government Area, Jigawa on March 12 (Wednesday).
The body was mutilated, with the private parts removed, prompting the police to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the gruesome act.
On Sunday, March 16, the Police Command in Jigawa State announced the arrest of a 45-year-old suspect in connection with the crime.
The suspect, a teacher of the deceased, was apprehended and detained following a tip-off.
Experts call for urgent action as ritual killings surge in Northern Nigeria
The incidents and many others highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address ritual killings in the region with stakeholders, attributing the trend to economic struggles, poverty, and lack of education.
Comrade Umar Hamisu Kofar Naisa, Executive Director of the Society for Educational Development and Socio-Democratic Activities (SEDSAC), linked the surge in ritual killings to poverty and the worsening economic conditions in the region.
He told DAILY POST that illiteracy and lack of education play a significant role in fueling such heinous acts.
According to him, ritual killings violate human rights, instill fear, and create insecurity in communities.
“If we examine the situation closely, ritual killings not only violate human rights but also instill fear and insecurity in communities. The psychological trauma experienced by victims’ families and survivors is immeasurable,” he stated in an interview with DAILY POST.
On legal responses, he urged the government to strengthen policies that protect human rights and enact specific legislation to prosecute perpetrators of ritual killings.
He also stressed the need for collaboration among various stakeholders to curb the menace.
Hamisu called on NGOs to intensify awareness campaigns on the dangers of ritual killings, provide support to victims’ families, and advocate for policy reforms.
“We must ensure that policies are created and enforced to put an end to ritual killings in Nigeria,” he added.
He further advocated for grassroots strategies and community engagement, emphasizing the role of traditional and religious leaders in tackling the issue.
“What was once seen as a problem in the South is now happening here. We must work together to stop it,” he urged.
Suleiman Hamza, a student in Ibrahimul Ahmadul Qadhi Islamiyya, highlighted the strong stance of both Islam and Christianity against killings.
He referenced Islamic teachings, noting that taking a life unjustly is akin to killing all of humanity.
“In Islam, the sanctity of human life is paramount. Even in cases of accidental killing, compensation is required, which today can amount to as much as ₦344.8 million,” he explained in an interview with DAILY POST.
Hamza described ritual killings as a new and disturbing phenomenon in the North, stating that in some cases, perpetrators even resort to exhuming corpses from graves for ritualistic purposes.
According to him, there have been more sermons in both churches and mosques, as well as intersectoral conferences and seminars, emphasizing the need to address ritual killings and their root causes.
He called on religious leaders to intensify sermons against such practices and educate the public on the severe consequences of engaging in ritual killings.
Nigeria accounts for a significant number of ritual killings
According to research by an NGO, the West African Network for Peace Building, Nigeria recorded 185 ritual-related deaths between January 2021 and January 2022.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that over 150 ritual killing cases often linked to young people seeking quick wealth, were recorded in Nigeria in the past six months.
The experts argued that the surge in ritual killings in Northern Nigeria signals a disturbing shift that demands urgent intervention and unless decisive action is taken by policymakers, security agencies, and societal leaders, ritual killings could become an even greater threat to public safety and human rights in the region.
Warning: the following post and related articles contain graphic details which may upset readers.
On previous occasions I have stated here that the numbers of abductions and murders for ritual motives are running sky-high in Nigeria, not to speak of missing persons leaving no trace. Having a brief look at the contents of this site since I started it in 2018, one is tempted to say that this West African country is well covered but by far I do not report all recorded cases of ritualistic murders in Africa’s most populated country (over 225 million inhabitants in 2024).
The list is too long to continue. Each day new ritual killing cases are unearthed, sometimes literally.
Given this background, the article below is not surprising and the reader will not be surprised that I fully support the author’s view: that greed is a basic ingredient and motive for ritualistic violence.
However, after having read the article I remain with two – related – unanswered questions.
Why is it that superstition is so widespread in Nigeria? Ritual murders and the harvesting of organs, other body parts, in short, ‘money rituals’, are carried out – by ‘ordinary criminals’ as well as by ‘ordinary citizens’ – because it is believed that ritual murders can make people rich or famous. Why is it that the belief in ‘juju’, the power of the supernatural, is so persistent? (webmaster FVDK)
it is believed that ritual killings can make people rich
When wealth demands blood: The horror of ritual killings in Nigeria
Published: March 13, 2025 By: Kelly Odaro – The Nigerian Observer
Amidst Nigeria’s economic quagmire, a more sinister affliction festers — ritual killings. This grotesque practice, once whispered in hushed tones and relegated to the annals of folklore, has metamorphosed into an alarming commonplace reality.
The nation wakes up to a grim litany of media headlines detailing the heinous acts of individuals who, in their insatiable pursuit of material prosperity, desecrate human life with blood ritual. The moral fabric of our society is unravelling at an alarming pace, frayed by an unsettling obsession with overnight wealth.
The recent gruesome murder in the Evbuotubu community of Benin City, where a young man’s head was severed, has once again spotlighted the disturbing prevalence of ritual killings in the region. This heinous act is not an isolated incident but part of a growing pattern of bloodshed fuelled by a dangerous obsession with instant wealth and power.
Ritual killings, often driven by superstitious beliefs and occult practices, have persisted in many parts of Nigeria despite modernisation and law enforcement efforts. In Benin City, several cases have been reported over the years, each more chilling than the last. Many of the unsuspecting victims are young men and women, often lured, kidnapped, and gruesomely murdered in rituals meant to bring fortune to perpetrators.
In past years, there have been numerous reports of mutilated bodies discovered in forests, abandoned buildings, or shallow graves, their organs harvested for money-making rituals. In
2020, a similar case rocked the Otuo community in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State where three young men and a woman were set ablaze by a mob for allegedly beheading a secondary school student in a suspected ritual killing (Punch, 25 February, 2020). In 2018, four brothers allegedly unalived their grandmother for money rituals in Ohovbe quarters, Ikpoba Hill in Benin City, according to Vanguard News (January 9, 2018).
Likewise, in 2019, police uncovered a shrine where human skulls and body parts were found, indicating that ritual killings were being carried out on a large scale. More so, over twenty mummified bodies were discovered in a building in Benin City (The Guardian, August 8, 2022), and a myriad of similar incidents occurred across Nigeria.
Despite widespread condemnation, these horrific acts continue, largely because of deep-rooted societal attitudes that glorify sudden wealth without questioning its source. Many individuals with dubious riches are still celebrated, given chieftaincy titles, and honoured in religious circles simply because of their financial influence. This cultural acceptance creates an environment where desperate individuals, especially young men, resort to extreme measures to attain wealth and social status.
Addressing this crisis requires more than just police crackdowns. There must be a fundamental shift in societal values —one that prioritises ethical wealth over ill-gotten riches. Religious institutions, traditional rulers, and community leaders must take a firm stand against the glorification of questionable affluence.
The Evbuotubu incident is a grim reminder that Nigeria is still battling the scourge of ritual killings. Until society collectively condemns and rejects wealth acquired through bloodshed, such horrors will persist, leaving a trail of innocent victims in their wake.
Once upon a time, wealth in Nigerian society was synonymous with industry, resilience, and ingenuity. The elders of old (traders, craftsmen, farmers, and entrepreneurs) prided themselves on the sweat of their brows. A man’s affluence was a direct reflection of his diligence and years of toil.
Today, however, a corrosive paradigm has taken root, one that glorifies instant affluence, irrespective of the means through which it is obtained. The insidious doctrine of “making it by any means necessary” has replaced the time-honoured principle of hard work.
This paradigm shift is not accidental. It is the consequence of a deeply flawed value system where wealth, no matter how dubiously acquired, commands reverence. The very individuals who should be ostracised for their morally reprehensible conduct are, instead, venerated. This toxic culture emboldens desperate youth to explore even the most abhorrent means to attain affluence.
The most disheartening aspect of this trend is the complicity (both tacit and overt) of society’s supposed moral gatekeepers. Religious leaders, who should be the custodians of righteousness, have too often become enablers of corruption. In the grandiose edifices of faith, where the gospel of prosperity is preached with fervour, those with questionable sources of wealth are celebrated.
They are given front-row seats, called upon for prayers, and sometimes elevated to positions of religious leadership, all because their ill-gotten wealth fuels the construction of mega worship centres.
Traditional rulers, the custodians of Nigeria’s cultural ethos, are equally culpable. The hallowed institution of chieftaincy, once reserved for men of impeccable character, has been commercialised. Titles that once symbolised honour are now available to the highest bidder. The affluent, irrespective of their moral standing, are conferred with chieftaincy titles in elaborate ceremonies attended by society’s crème de la crème.
In many instances, these so-called ‘chiefs’ are known for their nefarious dealings, yet they are paraded as paragons of success.
The elite, politicians, and corporate magnates are not innocent either. Many continue to patronise, endorse, and associate with individuals whose wealth bears the stench of blood money. By doing so, they lend credibility to criminality and normalise the abnormal. When men who are rumoured to have amassed their fortunes through dark means are invited to state functions, given government contracts, or honoured in grand events, the message to the struggling youth is clear — wealth, regardless of its origin, is the ultimate measure of success.
The media, which should serve as society’s watchdog, is often a double-edged sword. While some journalists and media houses expose the nefarious activities of ritual killers, others glorify the very individuals whose sources of wealth are dubious. The extravagant lifestyles of these questionable figures are routinely splashed across the pages of newspapers, magazines, television, and online platforms, painting them as role models rather than cautionary tales.
Reality television, social media influencers, and music videos further exacerbate the problem by promoting a culture of ostentation. Young people, bombarded with images of expensive cars, lavish mansions, and extravagant vacations, begin to equate self-worth with material possessions. Those who lack the patience for legitimate wealth creation resort to criminality, with some taking the ultimate plunge into the dark world of ritual killings.
At the core of ritual killings is the utter dehumanization of victims. The perpetrators, in their frenzied pursuit of wealth, strip their victims of all humanity, reducing them to mere commodities for sacrifice. The gruesome nature of these killings — dismembered bodies, missing vital organs, and ritualistic symbols points to an eerie level of barbarism that should have no place in civilised society.
Many victims are unsuspecting individuals. Children are lured with sweets or money, young women deceived by fake lovers, and travellers waylaid by ritual syndicates. The lack of stringent security measures, poor law enforcement, and a failing judicial system embolden these criminals, who often evade justice or buy their way out of prosecution.
One of the greatest tragedies of Nigeria’s legal system is its failure to serve as a deterrent to ritual killers. Reports of arrests are frequent, but convictions are rare. The wheels of justice turn at a sluggish pace, and in many cases, perpetrators with financial clout secure their freedom.
Corruption within the police force further compounds the problem. Cases of ritual killings are sometimes swept under the carpet in exchange for bribes, leaving families of victims without closure. Even when cases proceed to court, the judiciary’s lethargy allows them to drag on indefinitely, creating a loophole for criminals to manoeuvre their way back into society.
If Nigeria is to rid itself of the scourge of ritual killings, a fundamental societal reorientation is imperative. The following measures must be taken:
Schools must incorporate value-based education that emphasises the dignity of labour and the dangers of illicit wealth.
The youth must be taught that wealth, when pursued through righteous means, is more fulfilling and sustainable; religious leaders must take an uncompromising stance against those who amass wealth through dubious means. Places of worship should cease to be sanctuaries for financial criminals.
Besides, traditional rulers should uphold the sanctity of their institutions by ensuring that only men and women of impeccable character are honoured – chieftaincy titles must not be ‘commoditised.’
More so, the media as watchdog of the society must prioritise investigative journalism that exposes ritual killers rather than glorify ostentatious lifestyles. Content creators should promote positive role models rather than individuals with questionable affluence.
Again, the police and judiciary must be restructured to ensure that ritual killers are swiftly apprehended, tried, and convicted.
There must be no sacred cows; the law must take its course without favouritism.
Moreover, citizens must become more vigilant and report suspicious activities. Neighbourhood watch groups should be empowered to work with security agencies in identifying and apprehending suspected ritualists.
Ritual killings in Nigeria are symptomatic of a deeper societal malaise — a value system that places wealth above humanity. The tragedy is not merely in the blood spilt but in the indifference with which society treats this growing menace. If the nation does not recalibrate its moral compass, the ritualistic shedding of human blood will continue unchecked, and our collective humanity will be the ultimate casualty.
Ritual killers are on the prowl, preying on unsuspecting victims across the country. These criminals lurk in both rural and urban areas, taking advantage of isolated locations, late hours, and unsuspecting individuals.
Parents and guardians must take proactive measures to safeguard their children and wards from falling victim to these nefarious acts. Educating young people about the dangers of accepting rides from strangers, wandering off alone, or engaging with unknown individuals is crucial. Additionally, people must exercise caution in their daily movements, ensuring they avoid desolate areas, especially at night.
Men and women alike must remain vigilant and prioritise personal safety. Walking alone on lonely paths or deserted streets, particularly in poorly lit areas, increases the risk of being targeted. Instead, people should move in groups whenever possible and be mindful of their surroundings. Until then, everyone must stay alert because in a society where ritual killers operate with impunity, personal vigilance is the first line of defence.
Let those who have ears listen and let those in positions of influence act. Posterity will not forgive a society that sacrifices its own on the altar of unbridled greed.
Odaro, a columnist, lectures in the Department of Mass Communication, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi.
Warning: links in this post may lead to articles containing graphic details which may upset readers.
At first sight one may wonder why I include the following news article(s), ‘No record of ritual killings in Benue State’ according to police sources. ‘Good news’, one would say.
However, I remember several posts on this site reporting and commenting on killings for ritualistic motives in Benue State. Besides, I far from pretend to have covered all discovered ritual murder cases in Benue State in the past few years.
To be more precise, I point to the following posts (while reminding the reader that I only started this website in 2018):
What do you mean, ‘No record of ritual killings in Benue State’?
Below I’ve included five Nigerian newspaper articles with virtually the same text and bringing the same message – the same wrong message.
The conclusion is evident: One must always be careful to accept without question that what is written is true. (webmaster FVDK)
Background information:
Benue State is located in the North Central geopolitical zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones commonly called zones). With a surface area of 34,059 km2 Benue State ranks 11th (out of 36 states) and with a population of about 7 million people in 2024 it also occupies the 11th position. The capital of Benue State is Makurdi.
No record of ritual killings in Benue – Police
Published: March 3, 2025 By: Ejembi Ogwuche – Daily Post, Nigeria
The Benue State Police Command has said there is no record of ritual killings in the state.
This spokesperson of the command, CSP Catherine Anene made the assertion in Makurdi on Sunday.
She noted that although there are other crimes, there is no reported case of ritual killing in the state.
Anene also stressed that there is information or evidence about the existence of cannibals or human parts markets in the state.
“We don’t have intelligence reports of any human parts market in Benue.
“So we have not recorded any ritual killing; there are other crimes, but not this particular one.
Contrary to the news reports making rounds, the Benue State Police Command has said there is no record of ritual killings in the state.
debunking the purported report, the State Command Spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene who spoke in Makurdi, noted that although there are other crimes, there is no reported case of ritual killing in the state.
Anene also stressed that there is information or evidence about the existence of cannibals or human parts markets in the state.
“We don’t have intelligence reports of any human parts market in Benue.
“So we have not recorded any ritual killing; there are other crimes, but not this particular one.
Contrary to the news reports making rounds, the Benue State Police Command has said there is no record of ritual killings in the state.
Debunking the purported report, the State Command Spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene who spoke in Makurdi, noted that although there are other crimes, there is no reported case of ritual killing in the state.
Anene also stressed that there is information or evidence about the existence of cannibals or human parts markets in the state.
“We don’t have intelligence reports of any human parts market in Benue.
“So we have not recorded any ritual killing; there are other crimes, but not this particular one.
Published: March 3, 2025 By: EDIRI OYIBO – The News Guru, Nigeria
There has not been any record of ritual killing in Benue, the Police Command in the state has said.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, told NAN on Sunday in Makurdi that there was no intelligence report to that effect.
Anene, however, admitted that though other crimes to some extent still persisted in the state, there were no reported cases of ritual killings.
She also stressed that there was also no information or evidence about the existence of cannibals or human parts market in the state.
“We don’t have intelligence reports of the existence of any human parts market in Benue.
“So we have not really recorded any ritual killing, there are other crimes, but not this particular one. We are always on red alert,” she said.
According to Mr Terwase Shagbaor, Founder, Benue Patriotic Youths Movement, the people only hear and read about ritual killings in the media.
Shagbaor said the state was yet to record such heinous crimes.
He, therefore, encouraged Benue people, especially the youths, to steer clear of crime.
Also a motorcyclist, Agada Ogli, said that though his job entailed riding on the road day and night, he was yet to come across any suspected case of ritual killing in Benue.
Ogli, who also said motorcyclists often come across all kinds of crimes in the line of their duty, ritual killing was not one of them.
Published: March , 2025 By: dolotop– National Accord, Nigeria
There has not been any record of ritual killing in Benue, the Police Command in the state has said.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) , on Sunday in Makurdi that there was no intelligence report to that effect.
Anene, however, admitted that though other crimes to some extent still persisted in the state, there were no reported cases of ritual killings.
She also stressed that there was also no information or evidence about the existence of cannibals or human parts market in the state.
“We don’t have intelligence reports of the existence of any human parts market in Benue.
“So we have not really recorded any ritual killing, there are other crimes, but not this particular one. We are always on red alert,” she said.
According to Mr Terwase Shagbaor, Founder, Benue Patriotic Youths Movement, the people only hear and read about ritual killings in the media.
Shagbaor said the state was yet to record such heinous crimes.
He, therefore, encouraged Benue people, especially the youths, to steer clear of crime.
Also a motorcyclist, Agada Ogli, said that though his job entailed riding on the road day and night, he was yet to come across any suspected case of ritual killing in Benue.
Ogli, who also said motorcyclists often come across all kinds of crimes in the line of their duty, ritual killing was not one of them. (NAN)
