Last month, I posted twice on this gruesome ritual killing case in Uganda, see my posts of February 17 and February 12. The brutal murder of the victim, Joan Faith Apio, a five-year-old pupil at Jozan Nursery and Primary School, shocked Soroti City. Read the following report. (webmaster FVDK)
Protesters Set Soroti School on Fire Over Delayed Justice in Pupil’s Murder
In February, Faith Apio, 5, was found in a pool of blood at the school just three days into her enrollment.
Angry residents in Soroti City set Jozan Nursery and Primary School ablaze on Thursday, protesting the delayed justice in the murder of five-year-old Joan Faith Apio.
The violent unrest followed a court decision to adjourn the high-profile case to March 20, 2025, sparking outrage among community members who accused authorities of frustrating the legal process.
Apio’s body was found on February 5 in a pit latrine at the school, her throat slit in what many suspect was a ritual killing.
The gruesome discovery shocked the community, leading to calls for swift action.
However, tensions flared when Grade One Magistrate Kibirige Apollo Kasuja adjourned the case during a virtual session, with the suspects—including school administrators, cooks, and two juveniles—appearing in court via video link.
Believing the delay was a ploy to deny justice, an irate crowd stormed the school, setting fire to the administration block, dormitories, and food store.
The mob also tore down the school’s fence, looted property, and vandalized offices.
Security forces fired live bullets into the air and used tear gas to disperse the protesters, but firefighters struggled to contain the flames as resistance continued.
Thick smoke billowed over the city, and panicked residents fled as the chaos escalated.
“We are tired of waiting. A five-year-old was murdered in cold blood, and now they are playing games with justice,” one protester shouted.
Authorities have yet to issue a statement on the situation, but local leaders condemned the violence, urging patience as investigations proceed.
Despite the destruction, protesters remain adamant that they will keep pressing for justice until Apio’s killers are held accountable.
The unrest in Soroti comes at a time of heightened tensions across Uganda, with similar concerns about justice and security playing out in the upcoming Kawempe North by-election.
Opposition leaders have accused security forces of intimidation and violence, raising fears about the broader political climate as the country moves toward the 2026 general elections.
As announced in my previous post covering this tragic murder – now beyond doubt a ritual murder – dated February 12, Uganda: Wife of school director arrested over suspected ritual sacrifice in pupil’s murder, more news on the last moments of the victim, Joan Faith Apio, a five-year-old pupil at Jozan Nursery and Primary School, whose brutal murder has left Soroti City in shock.
When will it end? Will there ever be a day that ritualistic killings will have ceased to occur?
As the article below describes, outside the cathedral, emotions ran high as thousands of mourners stood in sorrow and solidarity, demanding justice. The pictures tell all. (FVDK)
Emotions Run High As Thousands Bury Ritual Murder Victim Apio in Soroti
Joan Apio had only attended the school for two days when she was brutally murdered
Published: February 16, 2025 By: Eddy Enuru – Nile Post, Uganda
On Sunday, February 16, mourners gathered at St. Immaculate Catholic Parish to pay their last respects. Rev. Fr. Michael Omaria offered condolences to Apio’s grieving family, urging them to seek solace in faith.
Tension ran high at the requiem mass for Joan Faith Apio, a five-year-old pupil at Jozan Nursery and Primary School, whose brutal murder has left Soroti City in shock.
Her lifeless body was discovered locked inside a staff pit latrine on February 5, sending waves of grief and fear through the community.
The tragic incident has raised urgent concerns over the safety of children in private schools.
On Sunday, February 16, mourners gathered at St. Immaculate Catholic Parish to pay their last respects. Rev. Fr. Michael Omaria offered condolences to Apio’s grieving family, urging them to seek solace in faith.
He strongly condemned the ritualistic nature of the crime, calling it abhorrent.
Outside the cathedral, emotions ran high as thousands of mourners stood in sorrow and solidarity, demanding justice.
As public pressure mounted, police intensified their investigations, leading to multiple arrests. Soroti Resident City Commissioner Peter Pex Paak addressed mourners, confirming that several suspects had confessed and would soon face trial.
“Joan’s murder was like a movie. It was carefully planned, and several people played a role in killing her,” Paak stated.
According to investigators, the murder was premeditated and involved at least seven individuals.
Apio and her twin sister, Achen, had only recently joined Jozan Nursery and Primary School after their mother, Evelyn Akol, was reportedly manipulated into enrolling them.
On February 3, Akol unknowingly left her daughters in the hands of those who would later be implicated in the crime.
Two days later, Apio was lured into the staff latrine at around noon, where she was murdered.
Authorities believe one accomplice waited inside the latrine while another led the child in. A third suspect allegedly washed away the evidence immediately after the crime.
Apio’s blood was reportedly collected, wrapped in black plastic, and handed to an unidentified individual who fled the scene.
“We are now hunting for the person who received the blood from behind the school fence and escaped with it,” Paak added.
Police confirmed that all primary suspects were in custody and had provided statements detailing their roles. Meanwhile, authorities are actively pursuing the individual who took the blood.
Investigations also suggest that the director of another school in Soroti played a role in persuading Akol to enroll her daughters at Jozan.
East Kyoga Regional Police Commander Damalie Nakyuha confirmed the arrests of five individuals, including Joseph Okedi, the director of Jozan Nursery and Primary School, his wife, Suzan Vivian Okedi, and head teacher David Kadimba.
She assured the public that more arrests were expected as the probe continued.
Joan Faith Apio, born on December 17, 2019, was laid to rest on February 17, 2025, at her family home in Ateuso, Kapelebyong District.
As the city mourns, the demand for justice grows louder, with parents and authorities calling for greater oversight to protect children from similar tragedies.
Warning: the following post may upset readers as it contains graphic details of a heinous crime (FVDK)
Strictly speaking we are dealing here with a suspected case of ritual murder. In judicial terms, the violent death of the 5-year old girl, Joan Faith Apio, may be labelled murder – not a ritual sacrifice. The reason why I present the case here nonetheless, is that (quote) “The tragedy has reignited public debate on the rising cases of ritual sacrifices in Uganda, with activists calling for tougher measures against individuals involved in such heinous crimes.” (unquote)
The incident occurred in Soroti, in the Eastern Kyoga Region.
Unfortunately, murder for ritualistic proposes and child sacrifice are no unknown crimes in Uganda. In the past I have reported numerous cases of real and suspected cases of ritual murder or ritual sacrifice. (See previous posts using the dropdown menu under ‘African countries’.) Wikipedia even offers a special page on the phenomenon of child sacrifice in Uganda.
As more news emerges on this particular case I will keep you informed. (webmaster FVDK)
Wife of school director arrested over suspected ritual sacrifice
Published: February 1, 2025 By: Eddy Enuru – Nile Post
Police are investigating suspected ritual sacrifice after a 5-year-old nursery pupil was brutally murdered
Police in Soroti have arrested Suzan Vivian Okedi, the wife of the director of Jozan Nursery and Primary School, as part of an ongoing investigation into the suspected ritual killing of 5-year-old Joan Faith Apio.
East Kyoga Region Police Commander (RPC) Damalie Nachuha confirmed the arrest on Monday, February 10.
Ms Okedi was taken into custody alongside her brother, who was apprehended at the school premises.
Their arrest brings the total number of suspects in police custody to five.
Jozan Nursery and Primary School, which has since been closed and sealed off by Police, became the centre of investigations following Apio’s gruesome murder last week.
Authorities believe key evidence related to the incident may be found within the school.
RPC Nachuha assured the public that Police are diligently gathering more evidence to ensure that justice is served. She urged patience as investigations continue.
“This is a sensitive case, and we are working closely with forensic experts to uncover the truth. The public should remain calm as we handle this matter with the seriousness it deserves,” Nachuha stated.
Apio, a twin, had only spent three days at the school’s boarding section before she was found dead under horrifying circumstances.
Her throat had been removed, and her lifeless body was discovered locked inside the staff pit-latrine. The gruesome discovery was made by the school matron, Ms Osula Adong, who described the scene with deep distress.
The incident has sent shockwaves across Soroti and beyond, with parents and community members demanding justice for the young girl.
Many have also raised concerns about the safety of children in boarding schools, calling for increased security and stricter regulations.
As investigations continue, the police have vowed to leave no stone unturned in establishing the motive behind Apio’s killing and identifying all those responsible.
Meanwhile, parents whose children were enrolled at Jozan Nursery and Primary School are in distress, with some calling for permanent closure of the institution.
The tragedy has reignited public debate on the rising cases of ritual sacrifices in Uganda, with activists calling for tougher measures against individuals involved in such heinous crimes. (bold letter type and italics aded by the Webmaster FVDK)
Police intensify search at Jozan Nursery and Primary School in Apio murder case
Published: February 12, 2025 By: Eddy Enuru – Nile Post
The arrest of Suzan Vivian Okedi, wife of the director of Jozan Nursery and Primary School, has intensified investigations into the gruesome murder of 5-year-old Joan Faith Apio.
Apio, a Primary One pupil, was found dead in horrifying circumstances, her body discovered locked inside a staff latrine with her throat slit.
The shocking incident has sent shockwaves through the Soroti community, prompting calls for justice and enhanced safety measures for children in boarding schools.
A team of Scene of Crime officers and senior investigators from the East Kyoga Regional Police, led by Regional Police Commander Damalie Nachuha, continues to gather evidence.
“Police have once again revisited Jozan Nursery and Primary School to search for physical evidence that could shed light on this disturbing incident. The school has been closed and sealed off as investigations continue,” Nachuha stated.
As the probe unfolds, police have arrested four other suspects, including the school director, Joseph Okedi, school matron Osula Adong, a head teacher, and a relative of Okedi.
Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to thoroughly investigating the case while ensuring public safety.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among parents and community members over the security of children in educational institutions, particularly in boarding schools.
Many have called for stricter regulations to protect children from potential harm.
Beyond the immediate tragedy, the school’s closure has also raised economic concerns.
Local business owners who supplied food and other materials to the institution worry about potential financial losses due to uncollected payments.
Public outrage over Apio’s murder has also reignited discussions on ritual sacrifices in Uganda, with many demanding stricter laws and stronger enforcement against such crimes. (bold letter type and italics added by the webmaster FVDK).
As investigations progress, the community remains in mourning, and police continue working to ensure justice for Apio and her grieving family.
Grief, Outrage as Family of Murdered Twin Seeks Justice for Joan Apio Faith
Published: February 12, 2025 By: Eddy Enuru – Nile Post
The family of five-year-old Joan Apio Faith is engulfed in profound sorrow following her brutal murder at Jozan Nursery and Primary School.
Their home in Malinga Cell, Nakatunya Ward, Soroti City West, is filled with mourners, yet their hope for justice remains dim.
They are now focused on arranging a befitting burial at their ancestral home in Otela Ikiliok, Akoromit, Kapelebyong District.
Apio’s twin sister, Achen Angela Faith, is deeply traumatized and now fears returning to school.
Through tears, she recounted their last moments together in the dormitory before an unidentified man took Apio towards the latrine.
Later, she saw a man and a woman carrying Apio’s lifeless body into a car before it was transported to the hospital.
Margaret Akol, one of Apio’s grandmothers, expressed profound sorrow, recalling how she had lived with the twins in Gulu before they went to school.
Sobbing, she demanded, “We want total justice for our little Apio.”
Apio’s other grandmother, Agayo Mary Among, tearfully recounted how the family was initially informed that the child was sick and receiving treatment in the hospital’s outpatient department.
However, upon arrival, they were met with the devastating reality—Apio’s lifeless body locked in the mortuary.
Apio’s mother, Evelyn Akol, broke down as she recalled the moment she found her daughter dead.
“I first reported with my children on February 3rd and paid three-quarters of the school fees. The bursar assured me of their safety. On Tuesday morning, I spoke to the matron, and she assured me the children were fine. On Wednesday at 6:50 PM, while at work, I received a call from the bursar saying one twin daughter is sick and has been admitted at the hospital. I immediately jumped on a boda-boda because my children had never been in such a situation. I thought she was receiving a blood transfusion. We rushed from Katakwi to the hospital, arriving in less than an hour. I moved around the hospital like a mad person, ward to ward, I wasn’t seeing my child. I heard some people talking about mortuary, mortuary… I had to rush there only to find the mortuary locked but through the glass, I saw my daughter lying lifeless on the school uniform on the mortuary bed,” Akol narrated before collapsing in grief.
Apio’s aunt, Mary Among, is now demanding that authorities demolish the latrine where the murder reportedly occurred and conduct a thorough investigation into what might be hidden beneath it.
As part of an ongoing investigation into the suspected ritual killing, police have arrested five suspects in connection with the murder.
Among those arrested is Suzan Vivian Okedi, the wife of the director of Jozan Nursery and Primary School. East Kyoga Regional Police Commander (RPC) Damalie Nachuha confirmed the arrest on Monday, February 10.
Okedi was taken into custody alongside her brother, who was apprehended on the school premises.
The others in custody are the school director Joseph Kedi, school headteacher David Kadimba, deputy headteacher, and the matron.
Joan Apio Faith was born on December 17, 2019, and was tragically killed on February 5, 2025. Her grieving family now clings to prayers, hoping that justice will be served for their little girl. The deceased body is still lying at the hospital mortuary, according to the family.
Unfortunately, killing or murdering for ritualistic purposes is no unknown crime in Ghana. It originates from traditional practices and beliefs (read: superstition). As in many more SSA countries, ritualistic killers do not hesitate to attack, abduct and abuse innocent victims, sometimes at random, just for their own, personal motives: to get-rich-quick or to enhance their prestige or political power.
This is what happened – or almost happened – in Ghana’s Eastern Region when four individuals attempted to murder a 12-year old girl, apparently for ritualistic purposes as they attempted to cut off her breast. Happily they got caught and fled.
Published: January 12, 2025 By: Neil Nii Kanarku– CitiNewsRoom, Ghana
A 13-year-old girl narrowly escaped an alleged ritual killing after being abducted by four unidentified men on Friday at Aburi-Kitase in the Akuapem South Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The teenager, who lives near the residence of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, went missing around 8 pm while heading to buy food in Kitase.
According to Citi News sources, the abductors had bound the girl’s hands and legs and were reportedly preparing to harm her by slashing her breast. However, they fled the scene when a good Samaritan fired warning shots upon discovering their activities.
Speaking to Citi News, the Assembly Member for the Kitase Electoral Area, Frank Amankwah, confirmed the incident and linked the growing insecurity in the area to the malfunctioning streetlights along the Ayi Mensah to Peduase Lodge stretch.
Amankwah called on the Inspector General of Police to bolster security in the area and address the rising prevalence of social vices near the Peduase Presidential Lodge.
“I have made several complaints about these traffic issues. From Ayi Mensah to Peduase Lodge, the street lights situated there are all not functioning. Boys from Ashiaman, Madina, Nungua, and nearby towns all come here, so if something like this happens, we cannot identify the source of it.
“So, I am pleading for adequate security in the area. It is very unfortunate how loose the security is in Peduase Lodge. I plead with the IGP and all the security apparatus to come to our aid.” he urged.
13-year-old girl survives alleged ritual murder attempt in Eastern Region
Published: January 12, 2025 By: Myjoyonline, Ghana
A 13-year-old girl narrowly escaped from an alleged ritual killing after being abducted by four unidentified men in Aburi-Kitase, located in the Akuapem South Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The incident occurred on Friday evening while the teenager went out to buy food around 8 pm.
According to reports, the abductors tied the girl’s hands and legs and were allegedly preparing to harm her, intending to slash her breast as part of their ritual.
However, their plans were thwarted when a passer-by, alarmed by the unfolding situation, fired warning shots, forcing the men to flee the scene.
Frank Amankwah, the Assembly Member for the Kitase Electoral Area, confirmed the incident in an interview with Citi FM.
He attributed the growing insecurity in the area to the non-functional streetlights along the Ayi Mensah to Peduase Lodge stretch, which have left the area poorly lit and vulnerable to criminal activities.
Amankwah expressed concern about the rising cases of social vices near the Peduase Presidential Lodge and urged the Inspector General of Police to enhance security in the area.
He explained that the lack of proper lighting and surveillance has made it difficult to identify culprits, with individuals from surrounding towns taking advantage of the situation to commit crimes.
“It is troubling that the streetlights from Ayi Mensah to Peduase Lodge are all out of order, and this has created a haven for miscreants.”
“I appeal to the IGP and other security authorities to prioritise our safety and address this issue promptly,” he stated.
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The following plea for stiffer punishment for convicted ritual murderers contains a staggering fact: according to research conducted by an NGO, the West African Network for Peace Building, Nigeria recorded 185 ritual-related deaths between January 2021 and January 2022. Among the victims were 43 women, and 30 children in 80 cases across 20 states.
Please note that we talk here about recorded cases. The total number of missing persons who have fallen prey to ritual murderers is unknown, but estimated to be very high. (webmaster FVDK)
Nigeria: The wave of ritual killings – a plea for stiffer punishment to deter the murderers
Published: December 11, 2024 By: Press Reader – Nigeria News
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.
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.
A shocking report on an innocent girl’s brutal death at the hands of unscrupulous, superstitious and criminal people. The crime took away the life of a young Tanzanian girl with albinism, and was committed in the Kagera region in north-west Tanzania.
Kagera region is bordered to the east by Lake Victoria. The region borders Uganda to the north, Rwanda and Burundi to the west, and the Tanzanian regions Kigoma to the south and Mwanza to the east. The region covers an area of 35,686 km2 and has a registered population of 3 million people according to the 2022 national census.
Unfortunately, Tanzania has a bad reputation as it comes to the treatment of people with albinism including discrimination, violent attacks and brutal murders having the highest number of reported attacks of all African countries. The girl’s murder is yet another example that this scourge has not disappeared or diminished in this East African country.
Meanwhile I commend the authorities for their swift action leading to the arrest of nine individuals suspected of involvement in the killing for ritual purposes of Asimwe Novath. May her soul rest in peace. (FVDK)
Tanzania: Child’s father, priest arrested in ritual killing of girl with albinism
Screenshot – for illustration purposes, see the original article
Published: June 20, 2024 By: The Citizen – NTV Kenya
Police Force has successfully apprehended nine individuals, including an Assistant Parish Priest and the biological father of Asimwe Novath, who are suspected of being involved in the murder of the child with albinism.
The child was abducted from her mother on May 30, 2024, in Bulamula village, Muleba District, Kagera region, and her body was found on June 17, 2024, in Makongora village, missing some of its parts.
A statement released by Police Spokesperson DCP David Misime explained that following the incident, the Police Force, in collaboration with concerned citizens who detest such inhumane acts, launched an intensive manhunt from May 31, 2024, until the night of June 19, 2024.
During this period, nine suspects were arrested with body parts believed to belong to Asimwe Novath, which were found stored in plastic bags as they sought a buyer.
The arrested suspects, who detailed their involvement in this incident, include the child’s biological father, Novart Venant, Desideli Evarist, a traditional healer residing in Nyakahama, and Elipidius Rwegoshora, the Assistant Parish Priest of Bugandika Parish.
Rwegoshora is alleged to have approached and convinced the child’s father to engage in the trade of human body parts.
He is also accused of finding the traditional healer and covering all the related costs.
Other suspects include Dastan Kaiza from Bushagara, Faswiru Athuman from Nyakahama, Gozibert Alkadi from Nyakahama Kamachumu, Rwenyagira Burkadi from Nyakahama Kamachumu, Ramadhani Selestine from Kamachumu, and Nurduni Hamada from Kamachumu.
The Police Force has issued a stern warning to individuals who indulge in superstitious beliefs, including fortune-telling, and persuade each other that they can attain wealth through such means, urging them to abandon these practices.
“Perhaps it is time to debate whether there are situations that require the death penalty” – says Miriam Wangadya, chairperson Human Rights Commission Uganda.
The chairperson of the Human Rights Commission Uganda, Miriam Wangadya, is devastated and despairing. The gruesome ritualistic killing of innocent victims often young children is heartbreaking, she says. The mutilated bodies found are disgusting witnesses of a violent death.
She cites a number of well-known recent ritual murder cases including the ritual murder of a four-year old girl in Jinja district in 2021 and the ritualistic murder of two young girls, sisters, by their mother, also in Jinja district in 2023. Statistics release by Uganda National Police indicate that ritualistic sacrifices are on a steady increase from 22 cases in 2019, to 45 in 2020, to 46 in 2021 and 72 in 2022.
The chair of the Human Rights Commission Uganda makes a plea for harsher punishment.
Since Uganda observes a moratorium on the death penalty she suggests to have a national debate whether indeed there are situations which require the death penalty. The law must take its full force, she argues, and murderers who kill innocent and helpless children deserve the capital punishment. Punishment should match the crime. A stern message is to be sent out that murder in al its forms is totally unacceptable and is met with the strongest deterrent, she insists.
But will the capital punishment, ‘an eye for an eye’, really act as a deterrent for the greedy and ruthless criminals who are willing to sacrifice the life of a human being for more money, power, or prestige? (FVDK)
Murderers of innocent children deserve harsher punishment
I was stunned and desperately sad when reading about another ritual murder in Nigeria. Of cause, we all know, Nigeria is Africa’s most populated country, with a population of over 200 million people. It is expected that in 2050 Nigeria will be the world’s third most populated country, after India and China. In such a highly populated country much happens and big numbers always impress. According to the Law and Society magazine (which also reported on the ritual murder in Edo State presented below) in the first week of March this year alone there were 728 school children, women and teachers abducted, only in Northern Nigeria! Presumably the attacks had been carried out by Boko Haram terrorists.
Abductions and killings including ritual murders are a daily reality in Nigeria. On this site I’ve often drawn attention to this sad reality. The Law and Society magazine cited above rings the alarm bell with a shocking article on Nigeria’s failing elite to halt the decline: “There is uncommon poverty in the land. There is uncommon insecurity in the land. There is uncommon insensitivity on the parts of those in power now in the land.” See the disheartening article ‘Nigerians can no longer move freely, most of those in power are only interested in stealing‘, dated March 13, 2024.
Let’s turn to the reported ritual murder case in Edo State. Reportedly, a father murdered his own daughter for ritual purposes, to get-rich-quick, a case of ‘money ritual’. Also in Edo State ritualistic murders, locally called ‘money rituals’, are not uncommon, as in many if not all of Nigeria’s 36 states. See the previously reported cases on this site (accessing the relevant posts by clicking on ‘Nigeria’ in the dropdown menu under ‘African countries’ on this site’s home page).
Edo State is located in the South-South geopolitical zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, bordering Koti State (north and east), Ondo State (in the west), Delta State (in the south), and Anambra State (the east). The Federal Republic of Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones commonly called zones.
Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
Edo State is Nigeria’s 22nd (or 24th) most populous state with an estimated population of between 6 and 10 million. With a surface area of 17,802 km2 it also ranks number 22. The state’s capital and largest city, Benin City, is one of Nigeria’s largest (ranking 4 after Lagos, Kano and Ibadan) and one of the country’s most famous and historic cities. (FVDK)
Ritual murder: man caught with daughter’s head in Edo State, body found in shallow grave
Published: March 12, 2024 By: Law and Society Magazine, Nigeria
A middle aged-man Emmanuel Ovwarueso has been arrested by operatives of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) for allegedly killing his daughter and burying her body in a shallow grave in Uteh Community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of the state.
Ovwarueso reportedly confessed to killing his daughter for a money ritual.
It was gathered that the suspect, also known as ‘Emma One,’ confessed to the ESSN operatives who apprehended him at the Uteh area of the Upper Mission Road Extension, where he resides with his family.
According to his wife, whose name could not be obtained at the time of the press, “my husband’s attitude changed recently. He kept saying I should not look at him like a poor man anymore.
“Even at his place of work, he was buying drinks for everyone as if he was celebrating. Even his co-workers were surprised at his new spending style.
“He even told them that his money is very near. We never knew he was having such a dangerous plan,” she said.
The vigilante member, who spoke on the grounds of anonymity, said, “we saw him that Thursday night with a bag, walking so fast like he was rushing to catch up with a flight.
“We stopped him, but he resisted us. We asked what was inside the bag; he said it was his food. So we searched the bag and found a human head inside.
“We interrogated him, and from the way he was talking, it was obvious he was hiding something.
“So we took him to his house, and we met his wife tied down. We untied her and asked who tied her; she said it was her husband.
“She told us that her husband tied her down with a rope before killing their daughter.
“He took us to the place where he buried the little girl’s body in a shallow grave, and the body of the girl was exhumed immediately,” he said.
Some residents of the Uteh community who spoke to newsmen said “Emma One” is fond of beating his wife and kids regularly.
Some of his co-workers said he is heartless and loves fighting uncontrollably.
Contacting the Edo State Police Command for confirmation, the Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said he was yet to be briefed about it.
He said when he finds out, he would get back to the reporter.
“I am not aware. I will find out, and when I do, I will get back to you,” Nwabuzor said.
