I’m afraid that ‘money rituals’ are a daily practice in Nigeria, with over 225 million people Africa’s most populated country. ‘Money rituals’ imply ‘organ harvesting’ – an expression I detest – and belong to the horrible category of ritualistic killings or murders as their ‘raison d’être’ is superstition in combination with greed – material greed or physical wellbeing.
We will never know how many victims die each and every day from the effect of ‘money rituals’ in Nigeria but surely there are many. (Also see the day after tomorrow’s post on the fate of missing persons, an unknown number of them falling prey to greedy ritualistic murderers and so-called Yahoo-Yahoo boys in Nigeria.)
Reportedly, one such a greedy person is 21-year old Anaegbuachara, who – influenced by a friend and acting upon instructions of a native doctor from Kogi State – attempted to kill his mother for ritualistic purposes but instead ended up poisoning a number of his relatives including his grandmother, his sister and her two children. Read the details below. (webmaster FVDK).
Enugu man arrested for killing family members in botched ‘money ritual’
Published: November 30, 2024 By: Mister Jay Wonder – GistMania, Nigeria
A young man, identified as Anaegbuachara, has been arrested in Enugu State for allegedly murdering his mother, grandmother, sister, and her son in a failed money ritual. The tragic incident took place in the Amaeze community of Nsukka Local Government Area.
According to police reports, Anaegbuachara was influenced by a friend, known as ‘Morocco,’ who allegedly connected him with a native doctor from Kogi State. The doctor, based in Nsukka, instructed the suspect to poison and sacrifice his mother as part of a ritual to acquire wealth.
However, in a twist of fate, Anaegbuachara’s grandmother, sister, and her two children visited the family home and unknowingly consumed the poisoned food. Tragically, they fell ill, and while the suspect’s sister’s son did not survive, he was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Anaegbuachara was quickly apprehended and paraded by enraged community members. In a public display of remorse, he was forced to kneel beside his mother’s tomb and beg for her forgiveness.
The suspect is currently in police custody, as investigations continue into the horrific crime.
Sometimes the reality is more impressive and imaginative than pure phantasy – as demonstrated by the article below.
However, honesty requires to mention that the self-confessed perpetrator of the ghastly acts described below may be mentally deranged and/or his alleged killing for ritualistic purposes and subsequent cannibalism a produce of his phantasy. Anyway, I did not want to withhold you, the readers, this article.
The end of the article sounds odd. Nevertheless, I decided to include it as it is being presented.
Warning: the following article contains graphic details of horrible acts. (webmaster FVDK)
Ibadan man confesses how and why he killed 76 women for ritual purposes
A mysterious Ibadan man whose name is yet unknown had confessed to killing over 70 women for ritual purposes in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
The man popularly called ‘Mistina Orobo’ born in the Foko area of Ibadan who claimed to have now become a pastor said the number is not part of the people he had been hired to kill and had eaten in his life.
He revealed this on a popular socialist, Yinka Ayefele’s radio station, Fresh FM’s programme titled, “Opeyemi” in Ibadan on Saturday.
According to him, the blood of the women was needed to renew his mystical power, and their bodies were eaten after the needed blood had been taken.
“My idol takes about 73 to 76 women for over seven years. These women are always gotten from the club or other popular places. When I eat people, it is purposely to renew the voodoo in my body. Sometimes, when I’m shot, it won’t penetrate, even when I’m hacked, the machete breaks. The sweetest human parts are tongue, palm, and foot.”
“I also work for bank managers, politicians, and some other rich men. I’m very popular among them. When I first worked with a bank manager, it was one wealthy man that we killed and the info was supplied in the bank.
“The only person who was left to sign refused to sign, we visited him, made him sign, and killed him aftermath. I charge up to N50 to N80 million to get people killed and we always work as a team. I taught some people to work, some as highway or armed robbers and I usually get my fair share,” he added.
The man also narrated the roles he and his boys played during elections in Oyo State while soliciting that his identity be kept away from the public until it was time for him to reveal it.
Responding to questions on his early beginning, the mysterious man confessed to eating sacrifices since the age of nine as the son of an herbalist and how he became a hired assassin.
“As a child of an herbalist, I always eat sacrifices in seven different junctions, this was what fortified me before I grew up to become a dreaded hired assassin and sometimes, highway robber.”
However, sharing the story of how he turned a new leaf, the man said he met Jesus in his dream after he attempted to avenge people who earlier fought with him.
He noted, “I had been killed before but I woke up because of the idol I had at home. The day I went to retaliate those people who fought and killed me. When we got to the first person, I had a change of mind. When we got to the house of the other one, he was drunk, and my boy was about to unleash on him when I begged that he should be spared, since then, I have been sympathetic and have left the wayward life. Now, God has taken over my life.
“I am now in a seminary. I spent four years learning to be a prophet. I am not ready to establish a church, I just want people to know my terrible story. I had sold all three houses and cars I bought while engaging in these acts. I met Jesus in my dream.”
He also stressed that a former lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Temitope Olatoye (a.k.a. Sugar) died because he was in Ghana at that time if not it would have been averted, adding that he had always informed Sugar of the dangers looming.
Sugar died on March 9, 2019, in the Intensive Care Unit of the University College Hospital, after suffering bullet wounds in the head from shots of suspected political thugs in the Lalupon area of Ibadan.
The news of his attack spread within minutes, with some insinuating that he died on the spot.
Leo Igwe is a famous human rights activist, an indefatigable fighter against superstition, witchcraft and ritualistic murders. In 2020 he started Advocacy for Alleged Witches. In this blog he regularly publishes on the lives of those affected by superstition and his organization’s efforts to save and/or to improve their lives.
The list of his achievements is too long to cite here, for shortness sake readers are referred to the internet where he is widely present.
In a recent article published in Ghana Leo Igwe gives his views on witchcraft and the need to effectively fight superstition, not only in this West African country, but in all African countries. He does not hide his views and feelings, as will be clear when reading the following essay.
No need to elaborate further on his message. Let me invite you to start reading while praising Leo Igwe and the valuable work he’s doing! (webmaster FVDK)
Witchcraft accusations and critical thinking: combating harmful effects of dogma and superstitions in Africa
Published: October 28, 2024 By: Leo Igwe – GhanaWeb
Leo Igwe works and campaigns to foster critical thinking skills in schools
The following post contains every ingredient for a horror story: a mysterious disappearance, a kidnapping, a dead body, a suspected murder for ritual purposes, muti, superstition, witchcraft and mob justice – leading to the death of the alleged perpetrator who was accused of being a witch. It’s story with only losers: the victim, an innocent 11-year old girl, the alleged witch, the village community and the rule of law.
However, the authorities have reacted swiftly, arresting eight people accused of involvement in the death of the alleged witch, a 40-year old woman named Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu, and the arson attack and the looting which took place. The police started also an investigation into the death of the young victim, Rhetabile Molapo. The girl went missing on October 13, the eruption of jungle justice occurred a week later, on October 20.
It all happened in a village called Modutung, near Taung, a small town situated in the North West Province of South Africa. Tau is the Tswana word for lion.
Among paleontologists Taung is known as the site where in 1924 the fossilised skull of a young Australopithecus africanus was discovered, named the Taung child. It was estimated to be between 2.8 and 3.3 million years old. This was an extremely important discovery in light of the origin of mankind. (FVDK)
Warning: the following articles contain graphic details which may upset readers
Eight people arrested in Modutung after allegedly killing a woman during mob justice
Published: October 25, 2024 By: Obakeng Maje – Taung DailyNews
Eight people were arrested by the police in Modutung village, near Taung on 25 October 2024. This follows the death of a woman, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu (40), who was burned and killed by community members on 20 October 2024.
The community members also looted spaza shops, burned Mothusiemang-Legodu’ son, Kopano Legodu (22), including her RDP house. Legodu is currently in critical condition in hospital.
Mothusiemang-Legodu, was accused of kidnapping and killing a young girl, Rethabile Molapo (11) for ritual purposes. Molapo went missing on 13 October 2024, after she was sent to go and fetch a church uniform at home. It is alleged that she was kidnapped by unknown assailants.
Her charred body was found in a pit toilet in an abandoned house three days later.
This prompted the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng to visit the area on Wednesday. Morweng, who met with both bereaved family members, said they will lead a Crime Prevention Imbizo in the troubled community.
“The Imbizo comes as a form of intervention following my visit to the community. Last week, unrest ensued after an incident of a missing child, whose lifeless body was later found. Reportedly, tensions escalated in the community and resulted in an elderly woman’s home being set alight, leading to her demise.
“We are saddened by the unfortunate turn of events and went to visit the Jackson, as well as the Mothusiemang families. As a government, we have a great interest in the case because of the nature of how the events unfolded,” he said.
Morweng further said they have resolved to embark on an Imbizo to bring peace, stability and work together with the community in the creation of a safer community. He added that the police are thoroughly handling investigations into the matter to bring justice to the families and the community at large.
“I continue to urge everyone to remain calm and allow the police to do their work. I believe that the police will do justice to the case, the district is working together with the province and all hands are on deck.
“Investigations are underway, arrests will be made and perpetrators will be brought to book,” said Morweng.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that a team was established to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village, in Taung on 20 October 2024.
“Eight people were arrested in the early hours of today. A detailed statement will be released later today.”
More people might be arrested in Modutung mob justice killing
Picture: Community members barricade internal road
Published: October 25, 2024 By: Obakeng Maje – Taung DailyNews
5 October 2024- Eight suspects who were arrested by a multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village, near Taung on 20 October 2024, are set to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects (seven men and a woman) aged between 29 and 45, were arrested in Modutung village for allegedly committing the crimes after a missing girl, Rethabile Molapo’s burnt body was found and retrieved from an unused pit latrine.
Mokgwabone said following the discovery and the funeral of Molapo, some community members took the law into their own hands.
“Among others, they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted the traditional healer’ son, Kopano Legodu (22), set alight the traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu’s house and ultimately killed her after she managed to get out of the house.
“Moreover, goods were looted from a tavern and a tuckshop, which were then set ablaze. The police worked tirelessly to effect the arrest of eight suspects in the early hours of today for different offences that include attempted murder and kidnapping, arson, murder and malicious damage to property,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said all suspects are expected to appear in the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 28 October 2024. He added that investigations into the matter are underway and the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the success and commended the police who were involved in the investigation, tracing and subsequent arrests of the suspects. Kwena urged members of the community to remain calm and work with the police to ensure that all those who perpetrated acts of mob justice and the killing of a young girl are brought to book to face the full might of the law.
Meanwhile, the community members have embarked on a protest. They have barricaded the internal road that links Magogong/Diplankeng and N18 road with stones and burning tyres demanding the release of those arrested.
Morweng calls for calm in Magogong after woman who was accused of witchcraft torched
Picture: The charred body of Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu and her house that was torched by enraged community members
Published: October 22, 2024 By: Obakeng Maje – Taung DailyNews
22 October 2024- The North West MEC Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng calls for calm in Magogong village, near Taung. This follows an incident of murder, torching of property and looting of a tuckshop.
This was allegedly sparked by the disappearance of a girl, Rethabile Molapo (13), on 13 October 2024. It is reported that the community was enraged by the accusations of who could be responsible for the disappearance of Molapo.
“The charred lifeless body of Molapo was discovered in a toilet of an abandoned house in Modutung village. A woman, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu was accused of kidnapping and killing Molapo.
“Mothusieman-Legodu was burned and killed, and also her house was torched. I strongly condemn these criminal activities and calls for calm. I plead with the community to allow the police to do their work, apprehend the culprits of this dastardly act,” he said.
Morweng further said he humbly pleaded with the community of Magogong not to take the law into their own hands and urged police to ensure that they leave no stone unturned/ He added that they must get to the bottom of this horrendous incident.
“I also urge those with information to report to the police, so that the perpetrators are speedily brought to book. No arrest has been effected so far and the motive behind the murder remains unknown,” said Morweng.
He said investigations are ongoing and police visibility at the area has been heightened to monitor the situation. Morweng sends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
Masvingo is the capital of Masvingo Province and located in southeastern Zimbabwe. A gruesome crime was averted, it could have cost an innocent 10-year-old boy his life.
Happily the boy escaped unharmed but the warning is clear: be vigilant. Moreover, there is an obvious need to educate people, especially young people, not to be believe in money rituals. It is sad that four years after the Tapiwa Makore case which shocked the entire nation still people believe that one can get rich quick by performing ritualistic acts including murder. (FVDK).
Screenshot from post on X (formerly Twitter) by @MasvingoMedia
Masvingo student kidnaps neighbour’s 10-year-old son to sell his head for rituals
Screenshot from post on X (formerly Twitter) by @MasvingoMedia
In a disturbing event that underscores the need for parents to be cautious about whom they trust with their children, an 18-year-old student from Masvingo disappeared with his 10-year-old neighbour for three days.
The 18-year-old who is a Form 4 student at Vision Academy in Masvingo confessed that he had kidnapped his neighbour’s 10-year-old son to take him to Chipinge. He alleges that he had clients in Chipinge who were eagerly waiting to use the 10-year-old boy, only identified as Tawana for money rituals.
The 18-year-old, identified as Peter, admitted during a police interrogation that he had planned to take the boy, named Tawana, to clients in Chipinge who had requested the child’s head for a ritual.
“Pandakatora mwana uyu vanga vanditi tsvaga musoro uuye nawo,” Peter says before Tawana’s grandmother wails uncontrollably in the background.
A Mother’s Despair and Warnings Ignored
Tawana’s mother, who is recording the video, angrily asks Peter if he really took her son intending to have him sacrificed for money rituals.
“Saka waida kuenda kunochekeresa mwana wangu here iwe? Nhaiwe Peter iwe? Waida kunochekeresa mwana? Ndozvawaida kunoita nhaiwe Peter? Waida kunochekeresa Tawana? hausvodi nhaiwe? Akakutadzirei? Takakutadzirei isu? Hezvo! Zvaunoshura!,” Tawana’s mother asks in shock and disbelief.
Tawana’s mother also reprimanded her son for ignoring previous warnings about befriending someone Peter’s age.
“Tawana hanty ukunzwa shamwari yako iyi? Yawaigara uchipiwa warning kuti usatamba ne dhara iro. Chiona zvaraida kuita dhara rako raida kunokuurayisa iri,” she adds before the video abruptly ends.
Watch: Masvingo Teen Confesses to Sinister Plot
Attempts to reach Masvingo Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa for comment were unsuccessful at the time of writing. You can watch the Form 4 student from Masvingo confessing to kidnapping his neighbour’s son for ritual purposes below:
An 18 year old form 4 student at Vision Academy in Msv confessing that he disapeared with a 10 yr old neighbour for 3 days intending to go with him to Chipinge were his clients were waiting for the minor’ head for ritual purposes. pic.twitter.com/avQpNbchjx
Ritual murders are not a recent phenomenon in Kogi State, Nigeria. See my previous posts (using the dropdown menu – under ‘African countries’ – in the heading of this site will give access to all posts on Nigeria).
Austin Okai, a former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, House of Representatives candidate for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency of Kogi State, has spoken urging law enforcement agencies and traditional rulers in Igala land to address the rising tide of ritual killings and human trafficking in the area. Recently a spike in ritual killings has been reported, creating an alarming situation in particular in Dekina LGA (local government area) of the state.
Some information on Kogi State where it all happens..
Kofi State is located in the North Central geopolitical zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Federal Republic of Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones commonly called zones.
Kogi State’s population consists of various ethnic groups, including the Igala, Ebira, Gbagyi, and subgroups of the Nupe in the state’s center; the Igala (most dominant in the east), Agate, Basa-Komo and Idiom in the east, and various Yoruba subgroups in the west and central part of the state. (source: Wikipedia).
It is interesting to note that Austin Okai openly linked the so-called ‘Yahoo Yahoo Boys’ to the criminal acts of ritual murders and trade in human parts. ‘Yahoo Yahoo boys’ refers to Nigerians engaged in internet fraud. (webmaster FVDK).
Ritual Killings, Human Parts Business Have Taken Over Igala Land – Okai Says
Published: October 12, 2024 By: Samuel – Tori news, Nigeria
Recent reports indicate a rise in cases of ritual killings in the area, with dead bodies exhumed from burial grounds and women brutally murdered and their body parts removed for sinister purposes.
On Saturday, Austin Okai, a former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, House of Representatives candidate for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency of Kogi State, urged law enforcement agencies and traditional rulers in Igala land to address the rising tide of ritual killings and human trafficking in the area.
Recent reports indicate a rise in cases of ritual killings in the area, with dead bodies exhumed from burial grounds and women brutally murdered and their body parts removed for sinister purposes.
Okai said the alarming situation, which is particularly prevalent in Dekina LGA of the state, raises urgent concerns about the safety and security of Igala communities.
In a statement he signed, Okai said the emergence of human parts trading has become a horrifying reality in Kogi East, with the notorious activities of ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ boys— individuals engaged in internet fraud — escalating into something far more sinister.
He said: “What was once viewed as a mere criminal enterprise has morphed into a grave threat to life and dignity, as these individuals increasingly resort to ritualistic practices to enhance their illicit gains.
“The abominable acts now dominating Igala land demand immediate attention and action from all stakeholders.
“It is imperative to recognize that the government holds the enforcement power necessary to address this crisis. Law enforcement agencies must be mobilized to investigate these heinous crimes, apprehend the perpetrators, and restore a sense of safety within our communities.
“The government must prioritize the establishment of a robust security framework that not only deters these criminal activities but also fosters trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
“However, government action alone is insufficient. Parents and guardians must awaken to the reality that the allure of quick wealth is leading many young people down a perilous path.
“The romanticization of internet fraud and the pursuit of easy money have dire consequences, as they draw our youth into a world where human life is devalued.
“It is crucial for families to engage in open conversations about the dangers of such lifestyles, promoting values of hard work, integrity, and respect for human life.”
Okai said community leaders, traditional rulers and religious institutions also have a vital role to play in combating the menace.
He said they must come together to condemn these practices and educate the public about the dangers of ritual killings and human trafficking, and provide support for victims and their families.
Okai added: “Creating awareness about the psychological and social impacts of these crimes can help foster a community that stands united against such atrocities.
“The time for action is now. We must not allow fear to paralyze us or silence our voices. It is our collective responsibility to protect our communities and ensure that the sanctity of life is upheld. By working together—government, families, community leaders, and citizens—we can combat the rising tide of ritual killings and human trafficking in Igala land.
“Let us reclaim our communities from the clutches of these abominable acts and foster a safer, more secure environment for all. The future of our children and the integrity of our land depend on it.”
Alnother Nigeria newspaper, Gist Mania, reported the same news, with an identical text:
Former Kogi PDP Candidate Calls For Urgent Action Against Ritual Killings & Human Trafficking
Published: October 12, 2024 By: Mister Jay Wonder – Gist Mania, Nigeria
Austin Okai, a former candidate for the House of Representatives from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, has called on law enforcement agencies and traditional leaders in Igala land to tackle the alarming rise in ritual killings and human trafficking in the region.
Speaking on Saturday, Okai highlighted the disturbing trend of ritual murders, citing recent reports of exhumed bodies and the brutal killing of women for their body parts. He expressed grave concerns for the safety and security of communities within Dekina Local Government Area, where these incidents are particularly prevalent.
In a statement he released, Okai described the emergence of a grisly trade in human parts as a horrifying reality in Kogi East. He noted that the notorious activities of individuals involved in internet fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo boys,” have escalated into something far more sinister.
“What was once considered a mere criminal enterprise has evolved into a serious threat to life and dignity, as these individuals are increasingly engaging in ritualistic practices to boost their illicit profits,” Okai said. He urged immediate action from all stakeholders, emphasizing that the government has the power to combat this crisis.
He called for law enforcement to investigate these heinous crimes, apprehend those responsible, and restore safety to the communities. Okai stressed that a robust security framework is essential for deterring criminal activities while fostering trust between law enforcement and the public.
However, he warned that government action alone is not enough. Parents and guardians must recognize the dangers of the allure of quick wealth, which he said is leading many young people into perilous lifestyles. “The romanticization of internet fraud and the pursuit of easy money can have dire consequences, devaluing human life,” he cautioned.
Okai also urged community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious institutions to unite against these practices. He emphasized the importance of condemning ritual killings and human trafficking, educating the public about their dangers, and providing support for victims and their families.
“The time for action is now,” Okai stated. “We cannot allow fear to silence us. It is our collective responsibility to protect our communities and uphold the sanctity of life. By working together—government, families, community leaders, and citizens—we can combat the rising tide of ritual killings and human trafficking in Igala land.”
Okai concluded by calling for a unified effort to reclaim communities from these atrocities and to create a safer environment for future generations. “The future of our children and the integrity of our land depend on it.”
Warning: This post contains graphic contents and a description of ritualistic acts
Three Sahel countries: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, are among the poorest in the world – and the most dangerous and unstable. The central governments in the three West African countries lack authority and military power to enforce the law. Separatists, jihadists, terrorist and smugglers act in a political and military vacuum.
All three countries have suffered from military coups in recent years: Burkina Faso in January and September 2022, Mali in 2012, 2020 and 2021, and Niger in 2023 (not to mention the alleged and real coup attempts). Criticized and condemned by neighboring countries and regional organizations such as ECOWAS, the new military leaders have severed relations with France, the former colonial power, the United States and the United Nations (notably the MINUSMA peacekeeping force in Mali!) which provided valuable but insufficient military support and protection. Instead the Russian-backed Wagner group was invited, renamed Africa Corps after the death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin.
On August 24 this year one of the worst jihadist attacks took place in the north of Burkina Faso. Militants of JNIM attacked the village of Barsalogho and slaughtered hundreds of villagers including women and children. Barsalogho is located about 145 km north of the capital Ouagadougou (3 hours drive!) and 45 km north of the strategically important town of Kaya. It is being estimated that the number of civilians killed in Barsalogho on August 24 may be as high as 600 – more than double the initial estimate – making it one of the worst atrocities in recent years in Africa.
In the aftermath of the massacre and the rising criticism which was directed to the national army – since it failed to provide adequate protection to the innocent citizens – accusations of cannibalism by Burkina Faso soldiers emerged, allegedly supported by videos on social media showing soldiers from the Rapid Intervention Battalion 15 (BIR-15) eating parts of dead jihadists.
Screenshot taken from video included in the CNN article
It is not the first time that soldiers, fighters, rebels are accused of or actually involved in acts of cannibalism. On the African continent e.g. the cases of cannibalism during Liberia’s back-to-back civil wars (1989-2003) are well documented. See my October 20, 2022 post. Also outside the African continent these practices occur: victors celebrating their victory, humiliating their victims, intimidating and scaring their enemies while some believe that the cannibalistic act gives them extra, supernatural power (China, Japan, Syria, Iraq, Europe). (webmaster FVDK)
Accusations of cannibalism by Burkina Faso soldiers
Warning of the publisher: This story contains a graphic image and descriptions of violence.
CNN — Up to 600 people were shot dead in a matter of hours by al Qaeda-linked militants in an August attack on a town in Burkina Faso, according to a French government security assessment that nearly doubles the death toll cited in earlier reports. The new figure would make the assault, in which civilians were shot dead as they dug trenches to defend the remote town of Barsalogho, one of the deadliest single attacks in Africa in recent decades.
Militants from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al Qaeda affiliate based in Mali and active in Burkina Faso, opened fire methodically as they swept into the outskirts of Barsalogho on motorcycles and shot down villagers, who lay helpless in the freshly upturned dirt of the trench, according to several videos of the August 24 attack posted by pro-JNIM accounts on social media. Many of the dead were women and children, and the footage is punctuated by the sound of automatic gunfire and screams of victims as they are shot while apparently trying to play dead.
(…..)
Criticism of the army, voiced by relatives of the dead and survivors from Barsalogho, who maintain the military fled the assault, has been amplified by recent accusations of cannibalism by Burkina Faso soldiers, the report adds. It cites videos posted publicly on social media that appear to show soldiers from the Rapid Intervention Battalion 15 (BIR-15) eating parts of dead jihadists.
The report adds: “The general staff of the Burkina Faso armies published a press release on July 24, 2024, in which it ‘condemns these macabre acts’ and ‘reassures that measures will be taken to formally identify the origin of these images as well as their authors.’” It assesses the incident as another sign of discipline in the army deteriorating since the coup two years ago that put Traore in power and led to the French departure.
CNN has reviewed videos of the alleged cannibalism that seem to show Burkina Faso soldiers dismembering and holding up body parts of apparent dead jihadists.
Warning: The following post contains graphic contents which may upset readers
The main findings and conclusions of the research are summarized below. It is important to note that the research focused on identified or reported ritual killing cases. It is very likely that the actual number of murders for ritualistic purposes is significantly higher.
In Ghana, 160 ritual killings were identified between 2012 and 2021, including 94 children (58.8%). This represents a yearly average of at least 9 victims.
In Kenya, 102 ritual killings were reported in the 2012 – 2021 period which figure includes 66 children (64.7%) or a yearly average of 6-7 victims.
The arrest rates were extremely low in both countries.
Greed, money, was the main motivation of ritual killers in combination with superstition, notably in Ghana. In Kenya, many perpetrators caught murdered in fulfillment of their membership of devil worship or occult sects.
Besides the belief in juju, also illiteracy, poverty and a failing justice system were important factors explaining the murdering of children for ritualistic purposes.
The authors of the study present some recommendations to fight ritualistic killings.
To download the study (38 pp.) please click here. (webmaster FVDK)
Killing children for rituals is rife in Ghana and Kenya, research shows
This important study, titled “Ritual Child Homicides in Ghana and Kenya: A Criminological Analysis”, is published in Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence at: https://doi.org/10.23860/dignity.2024.09.02.04.
The following is an astonishing story about galamseyers using babies for ritual purposes in search for gold. In an interview one galamseyer claimed that illegal miners buy babies from hospital employees for ritualistic purposes at Galamsey sites. The readers are warned that the following contains graphic details of horrific acts. (FVDK)
Illegal miners use babies for ritual purposes in search of gold‘Angel Morning Show’, September 29, 2024.
Ghana: illegal miners sacrifice newly-born babies for rituals to get gold
Published: September 29, 2024 By: Ghana Web
A retired galamseyer has revealed how illegal miners sacrifice newly born human babies in mining pits as ritual to enable them locate gold and other mineral resources in the soil.
Read the article originally published by Ghanaweb on Agst 12, 2023 below:
Screenshot. To watch the 45-mintes video including the interview with a galamseyer, please click here
WARNING: The following post and articles contain graphic contents which may upset readers(webmaster FVDK)
The horrifying murder of a 4-year old by a 16-year old teenager in Lagos, Nigeria, has been in the news all over the African continent and elsewhere. I won’t dwell on it right now. Below I will provide a few links to articles covering the heartbreaking news.
Leo Igwe is a renown human activists who has denounced witchcraft practices and ritual related violence including murders on many occasions and I have on more than occasion drawn attention to his commendable activities. See my October 25, 2021 post.
For now I will stop. This case makes me too sad to continue. Since the crime is so repulsive I have decided not to publish the photo which accompanies the article below in its original publication and which has been included in many articles covering the same news. The following screenshot of a tweet captures the main story.
Below the reaction of Dr. Leo Igwe. (webmaster FVDK)
Ritual Killing By 16-Year-Old Indicates Moral and Educational Failures – By Leo Igwe
Dr. Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches.
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches warns the public to be vigilant at this time and to resist any temptation to indulge in money-making rituals, or to go in search of human body parts. It is a fact, as this case shows, that people attack and murder others for ritual purposes. It is a fact that people procure human body parts for rituals. It is a fact that people indulge in some money ritual sacrifice of human body parts. However, there is no evidence that these sacrifices yield money or wealth as popularly believed and often portrayed in movies such as Nollywood films or African magic.
Published: September 17, 2024 By: Leo Igwe – Opinion Nigeria
The attention of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches has been drawn to a horrifying case of ritual attack and murder in Lagos, Nigeria. This incident involves a 16-year-old teenager, Azeez Tajudeen, who lives in the Ijanikin area in Lagos. Tajudeen lured a 4-year-old child, named Ibrahim to a nearby primary school and murdered him. He stabbed and strangled the child to death. He removed the intestines, kidneys, and private organs. Tajudeen said that a man named Osho asked him to get him some human parts and promised to pay him fifty thousand naira(thirty dollars) for the service.
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches is outraged over the gruesome killing of this child and other instances of ritual attacks and bloodletting in the country. AfAW is aware of another case of ritual murder of a girl by the supposed boyfriend in another part of the country. These cases of ritual attack and killing are a clear demonstration of moral and educational failures. Skeptically oriented Nigerians must rise to the challenge of reorienting the public and promoting reason and scientific thinking.
At a time when Nigeria is going through an unprecedented economic crisis that has led to multidimensional poverty, stress and distress, despair, hunger, and uncertainties, one expects an increase in cases of ritual attacks. Many people are vulnerable; they could easily be lured to engage in ritual sacrifice and to explore purported ritual means of making money. More people are likely to embrace ritual money-making narratives or consult ritualists for some help. Ritualists and other self-acclaimed occultists will tell seekers of ritual money to go in search of human body parts.
As in this case, those who cannot get the human parts would commission others to do so on their behalf. Some people are inclined to accept such assignments and undertake to attack and murder others in the quest to make some income.
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches warns the public to be vigilant at this time and to resist any temptation to indulge in money-making rituals, or to go in search of human body parts. It is a fact, as this case shows, that people attack and murder others for ritual purposes. It is a fact that people procure human body parts for rituals. It is a fact that people indulge in some money ritual sacrifice of human body parts. However, there is no evidence that these sacrifices yield money or wealth as popularly believed and often portrayed in movies such as Nollywood films or African magic.
Ritual money or wealth is fiction and has no basis in reason, science or reality. As this case has illustrated, there is an urgent need to reeducate and reorient children and youths in the country. Superstition is destroying the moral fiber of the society. And it is the responsibility of this generation of Nigerians and Africans to end ritual attacks and sacrifice. Young people are often the victims and the perpetrators because they are socialized to believe that ritual money is real. Unfortunately, it is not. At home and in schools, children and youths are taught and told about the ritual processes of achieving success. They are made to think that ritual wealth is a fact. Hence, some youths are motivated to indulge in vicious attacks and murder other human beings, including their parents and relatives. Nigerian authorities need to encourage critical thinking in schools and society. They should get students to question and examine ritual money narratives and associated superstitions. Nigeria needs to execute an intense public education and enlightenment campaign and get the public to abandon ritual money beliefs and embrace critical thinking and science-based means of making money and acquiring wealth.
