Category Archives: mob justice

Uganda: Kitagwenda District Councillor arrested over child sacrifice allegations

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Child sacrifice is – sadly – a widespread phenomenon in Uganda which even has led to a special Wikipedia page.

On the present site I have posted numerous cases of children murdered for ritualistic purposes – while not pretending to have covered all ritual murders involving children since 2018. (Please note that I only started this site in 2018.)

The latest reported chid sacrifice took the life of a four-year-old girl, Trinah Ainomugisha. She was the daughter of Vincent Bagarukayo and Catherine Nyakato, residents of Kanyara village, Kikondo ward in Kabujogera Town Council. Her father, Vincent Bagarukayo, expressed his sorrow, he called for justice and shocked the public stating that “I have now lost two children under similar circumstances. One of my children went missing, and despite reporting to the police, he has never been found. I strongly suspect the same person behind Trinah’s murder could have kidnapped my son as well.”

Police arrested four persons suspected of involvement in the brutal murder of Trinah Ainomugisha. The prime suspect is an elected official, Kitagwenda District Councilor for Persons with Disabilities Levi Amarakutunga.

Kitagwenda District is a district in Western Uganda. Kitagwenda District is part of the Tooro Kingdom, one of the ancient traditional monarchies in Uganda.

Read more details in the three articles presented below.

NB It may be superfluous but the reader is reminded that no person is guilty unless found guilty by an independent court during a public trial. (FVDK)

Kitagwenda District Councilor for Persons with Disabilities Levi Amarakutunga – the prime suspect in the murder of four-year-old Trinah Ainomugisha.

Kitagwenda Councilor, Three Others Arrested Over Child Sacrifice Allegations

Published: March 18, 2025
By: Ivan Mugisha – Nile Post, Uganda

Kitagwenda District Police Commander Bashir Bakulumpangi said the incident began on Sunday evening when Trinah’s mother sent her to deliver Shs10,000 to a person who had requested it.

Security operatives in Kitagwenda district have arrested four individuals, including a district councilor, in connection with the killing of a four-year-old girl in what is suspected to be a ritual sacrifice.

The suspects include Levi Amarakutunga, a district councilor representing persons with disabilities in Kitagwenda district, and three of his workers whose identities police have not disclosed.

The deceased, Trinah Ainomugisha, was the daughter of Vincent Bagarukayo and Catherine Nyakato, residents of Kanyara village, Kikondo ward in Kabujogera Town Council.

Kitagwenda District Police Commander Bashir Bakulumpangi said the incident began on Sunday evening when Trinah’s mother sent her to deliver Shs10,000 to a person who had requested it.

The girl did not return, prompting her mother to alert the area chairperson, who mobilized a search party. Their efforts proved futile.

On Monday morning, Nyakato reported the matter to Kabujogera Town Council Police Post, and the case was escalated to Kitagwenda Central Police Station, which deployed a canine unit.

The sniffer dog led officers to Nyakagezi cell, where they found the girl’s body in a farm.

“The body had a deep cut on the neck, a sign that the child may have been brutally sacrificed,” Bakulumpangi said.

The sniffer dog then led investigators to Amarakutunga’s residence, where officers reportedly found blood-stained evidence. This led to the arrest of Amarakutunga and his three workers.

Upon hearing the news, enraged residents stormed Amarakutunga’s farm, destroying his banana plantation and cutting four of his cows.

Police intervened to prevent further destruction.

“We understand the community’s anger, but we urge them to remain calm and allow investigations to proceed,” Bakulumpangi said.

Authorities say a thorough investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of Trinah’s death and whether it was indeed a case of ritual sacrifice.

“We are gathering all necessary evidence to ensure justice is served,” Bakulumpangi said.

The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.

Source: Kitagwenda Councilor, Three Others Arrested Over Child Sacrifice Allegations

More:

Kitagwenda Residents Demand Justice for Murdered 4-Year-Old Girl

Published: March 18, 2025
By: Ivan Mugisha – Nile Post, Uganda

During an emotionally charged burial in Kikondo Parish, Kabujogera Town Council, the child’s father, Vincent Bagarukayo, expressed his devastation and called for swift investigations.

Parents and residents of Kitagwenda District are demanding justice for Trinah Ainomugisha, a four-year-old girl allegedly murdered by individuals including Levi Amarakutunga, the district council representative for persons with disabilities, and his three workers.

During an emotionally charged burial in Kikondo Parish, Kabujogera Town Council, the child’s father, Vincent Bagarukayo, expressed his devastation and called for swift investigations.

“I have now lost two children under similar circumstances. One of my children went missing, and despite reporting to the police, he has never been found. I strongly suspect the same person behind Trinah’s murder could have kidnapped my son as well,” Bagarukayo lamented.

Mary Mugizi, the Kabujogera Town Council female councilor and one of the eyewitnesses during the police search, revealed that bloodstains and a basin filled with blood were found inside Amarakutunga’s house.

“This is overwhelming evidence that should pin the suspect. We demand that security agencies ensure justice is served to the bereaved family,” Mugizi stated.

Doreen Kaita, the female district councilor of Kabujogera, condemned the brutal killing and urged leaders to work together to prevent such crimes.

“This is a barbaric act that should never happen in our community. As leaders, we must fight against such evil and ensure our people are safe,” Kaita emphasized.

Ronald Nsabumukiza, the Officer in Charge at Kitagwenda Central Police Station, who attended the burial, assured the public that investigations were ongoing.

“We understand the pain and anger of the residents, but we urge them to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands. Justice will be served,” Nsabumukiza assured.

All the suspects, including Amarakutunga, remain in police custody at Kitagwenda Central Police Station as authorities continue gathering evidence.

Ainomugisha was allegedly murdered on Saturday in what is suspected to have been a ritual sacrifice. Her body was discovered in a nearby farm.

The tragic incident has left the community in shock, with residents and local leaders calling for stronger measures to protect children. As the investigation unfolds, the people of Kitagwenda remain united in their demand for justice.

Source: Kitagwenda Residents Demand Justice for Murdered 4-Year-Old Girl

And:

More Allegations Emerge Against Kitagwenda Councilor in 4-Year-Old’s Murder Case

Kitagwenda District Councilor Levi Amarakutunga

Published: March 20, 2025
By: Ivan Mugisha – Nile Post, Uganda

Community members have accused Amarakutunga of sexual abuse and coercion. One victim, who spoke on condition of anonymity, recounted a harrowing encounter with Amarakutunga.

New disturbing allegations have emerged against Levi Amarakutunga, the Kitagwenda District Councillor for Persons with Disabilities, who is the prime suspect in the murder of four-year-old Trinah Ainomugisha.

Community members have accused Amarakutunga of sexual abuse and coercion. One victim, who spoke on condition of anonymity, recounted a harrowing encounter with Amarakutunga.

“He found me on the road one evening and offered me a lift. After I got into his car, he started touching my belly and moustache while sticking out his tongue. I was terrified,” he said.

The victim said Amarakutunga later drove him to his home, locked the car doors, and continued making inappropriate advances.

“He touched my private parts, and I panicked. Just then, my friend called me for our usual drinking spree. Amarakutunga overheard the conversation, and I used the chance to break the window, forcing him to open the door. He warned me not to tell anyone,” the victim said.

Another alleged victim claimed he was taken to Amarakutunga’s home in Nyabihoko Parish, Buhanda Sub-county, after being told he would receive prayers for wealth.

However, he said the councillor attempted to coerce him into sexual acts.

“He tried to convince me, but I resisted. When I told him to stop, we disagreed. He then warned me never to speak about what had happened,” the victim said.

Kabujogera councillor Innocent Kizza confirmed that similar reports about Amarakutunga had circulated in the community.

“Many victims have remained silent out of fear,” Kizza said.

Kitagwenda Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Nicholas Nuwagira also acknowledged awareness of the accusations. “We have heard the claims and are investigating the matter,” he said.

Amarakutunga and three of his workers were arrested on Monday in connection with the suspected ritual murder of Ainomugisha.

They are being held at Kitagwenda Central Police Station as investigations continue.

The allegations come amid Uganda’s strict Anti-Homosexuality Act, signed into law by President Museveni in May 2023. The law imposes life imprisonment for same-sex relations and the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” which includes sexual abuse involving minors, disabled persons, or acts committed under coercion.

Once a celebrated gospel singer known for songs like Abyeitu nibikorwa Mukama and Nyentsya Yaawe, as well as a director at Nyabihoko Parents Primary School, Amarakutunga’s reputation has been tainted by these grave accusations.

As police continue their investigations, the people of Kitagwenda await justice for Ainomugisha and those who claim to have suffered at Amarakutunga’s hands.

Source: More Allegations Emerge Against Kitagwenda Councilor in 4-Year-Old’s Murder Case

‘Let’s work to end witch hunts in Adamawa State’ – Nigerian human rights activist Leo Igwe

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Leo Igwe is a renown Nigerian human rights activist, founder and president of Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW)

African countries face many problems. Most of these problems are the result of external causes. However, the problem attacked below by Leo Igwe, a renown Nigerian human rights activist, founder and leader of Advocacy for Alleged Witches, has a cause which lies within African societies and is within reach of local political and community leaders to solve.

The answer to the challenge which constitutes the definite eradication of superstition – hence the belief in witchcraft and witches – is (among other interventions) education, education and education! AfAW and Leo Igwe also emphasize this approach.

When looking at the budgets for education in African countries we cannot escape a feeling of dispair. Only a few African countries realize the education objectives agreed upon during international conferences, in international organizations or in national development plans.

African governments can rightly point to the failing support or sometimes undermining actions of governments of non-African countries and international corporations, but here is a problem in which they themselves have a hand in solving. What are they waiting for?
(webmaster FVDK)

Published: January 20, 2025
By: Leo Igwe – Sahara reporters

Greetings and salutations from the Advocacy for Alleged Witches and from all advocates against witch hunts in Nigeria and beyond on the occasion of this roundtable discussion on witch hunts and human rights violations in Adamawa state. I thank the National Human Rights Commission for the opportunity to collaborate and synergize against this superstition-based abuse. Witch hunting is a form of gender-based violence and we commend the commission for its commitment to addressing sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria.  We hope that this event marks the beginning of our partnership. We hope it would be the first of so many to be held and organized in rallying against witchcraft accusations, witch persecution, and killing in the state. We are all delighted that the event is holding after years of planning, and postponement. And that advocates in this state have the opportunity to meet, discuss, interact, and exchange ideas on how to end human rights violations linked to beliefs in witchcraft and ritual attacks. Adamawa is one of the states where witch-hunting is pervasive. And let’s face it, this is not good news at all. Yes, it is not. Witch hunting in Adamawa is a cause for concern and needs to be treated with the urgency it deserves. We must join hands and end these violations now, not later, today, not tomorrow, this year, not next.

There have been growing cases of witchcraft accusations and killings in Adamawa. Incidentally, only a few are reported. Many more are not because they happen in rural areas and remote communities. Witch persecution happens mainly to people who cannot report the violations; those who do not know where and how to report. Victims of witch hunts are usually those who do not know that witch hunters are criminals who should be brought to justice. Many cannot report because they fear retribution, more abuse, and violation. But the situation is changing.

We have a recent case here in Adamawa where a couple suffocated a girl child to death for witchcraft. We understand that the case is in court. Local informants and advocates helped the police to intervene. We are also monitoring two other cases that involved the murder of the accused. Alleged witches are beaten to death, set ablaze, and murdered in cold blood. The people of Adamawa, how many deaths will it take till we know that too many people have been accused of witchcraft and subsequently killed? How many deaths will it take till we know that too many alleged witches have died? Know this the people of Adamawa: the world is watching and waiting for you to rise to the challenge and take all necessary measures to end witch hunts. Will you? 

We are aware that witch hunts would not stop when the police and courts are failing in their duties and when the authorities are doing little or nothing to address this miscarriage of justice. Witchcraft accusations are against the law. Jungle justice and trial by ordeal are against the law. But witch hunts continue despite existing legislations. Accusations are perpetrated with impunity. The police in Adamawa must rise to the occasion and enforce the law. They should make sure that perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice.

In many cases of witch hunts, the police do not intervene. And when they do so, the intervention comes too little too late. Many suspects are not arrested or charged in court. Sometimes, police arrest and detain suspects and later release them after paying a bribe. But the police cannot address this problem alone. Other state agencies need to fulfill their statutory duties.

Effective courts, diligent judges, and magistrates are needed. We need court officials who correctly interpret the law and ensure justice for the accused. Unfortunately, what we have here in Adamawa, and in other parts of Nigeria and the continent, is a case of justice delayed and eventually denied. The accused and their families suffer double victimization. The court processes are slow, too slow for comfort and justice. Court processes take many years to issue judgments. They make accused persons incur additional costs. Many alleged witches and families have been forced to abandon their cases and resign to their fate. We have it on authority regarding an ongoing case here in Adamawa, that the family of the victim is being pressured to leave the case so that perpetrators could go scot-free. 

Look,  the people and government of Adamawa, if the family of the victim in question is forced to abandon the case, there will be consequences. That will not reflect positively on you and your efforts to combat witch hunts. Know this: the world is watching.

You may recall that in 2021, there was an unfortunate development in the state. A chief magistrate misinterpreted the law. He invited a native doctor to help in the trial of an alleged witch in a court. That incident was a judicial scandal, a local and international embarrassment. It was a misapplication of the law and a misconception of national jurisprudence. That incident indicated how Adamawa was out of step in addressing the problem of witch hunts. AfAW raised concerns and petitioned the chief judge. We hope lessons have been learned, and that there will be no repeat of this charade in Adamawa in the future. We understand that witch believers would like to conduct witch trials in courts. But our laws are unambiguous on the issue of witchcraft accusations. Our laws do not recognize witchcraft. The law criminalizes witchcraft accusations and witch-hunting. Our courts are places to prosecute accusers, not the accused. As a state, Nigeria advocates against witchcraft accusations and witch persecution. Nigeria constitutionally protects and defends alleged witches. Let’s work together and uphold the law, not our beliefs.

AfAW exists to end witchcraft accusations, witch persecution, and killing in Nigeria, and, by extension, Africa. We work to change the mindset of the people, combat misinformation and disinformation, and other drivers of this menace. We invite all participants to join us to realize the vision of making witch hunting in Africa history by 2030, which is, 5 years from now. It is possible. It can be done. Thank you.

Source: Let’s Work To End Witch Hunts In Adamawa By Leo Igwe

Kenya: ‘Cleansing’ ceremony to save a ‘bewitched’ woman’s life in Kilifi turns tragic

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The following series of articles I found both interesting and relevant to include here despite their gruesome contents. Introduction under construction (webmaster FVDK)

Please note: Unfortunately, references to links to related articles in the copied article(s) below don/t work. Interested readers are recommended to use the original text, if available.

‘Cleansing’ ceremony to save a ‘bewitched’ woman’s life in Kilifi turns tragic

Published: December 1, 2024
By: Brian Ocharo – Nation, Kenya

Source: ‘Cleansing’ ceremony to save a ‘bewitched’ woman’s life in Kilifi turns tragic

Also read:

The Aged, On Edge – Witchcraft and Abuse of the Elderly in Kilifi and Kwame County (Kenya)

By Fr Gabriel Dolan, ED Haki Yetu, July 2023.

“Haki Yetu which means “Our Rights” in Swahili was created to combat oppression, injustice and promote human rights as a principle for social justice in our communities of interest.” (Source: Haki Yetu, Inc.)

For the readers’ convenience follows the Table of Contents. Interested readers are advised to use the link below to gain access to the document.

Table of Contents
Acknowledgement i
Abbreviations iii
Foreword iv
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 The concept of witchcraft at the Coast 4
1.2.1 The potency of accusations 6
1.2.2 Oath taking and cleansing rituals 7

CHAPTER TWO: WITCHCRAFT RELATED RIGHTS VIOLATIONS 10
2.1 Introduction 10
2.2 Witchcraft related Homicide 11
2.2.1 Murder trends in Kilifi 13
2.2.2 Murder trends in Kwale 14
2.3 Emerging Trends 16
2.3.1 ‘Bebabeba’ and Rise of the killings 16
2.3.2 ‘Waombezi’ – the prophets of doom 16
2.3.3 Access to Justice for Victims and Survivors 18

CHAPTER THREE: CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS 20
3.1 Land Ownership Disputes 20
3.2 Administrative Inaction and Corruption 23
3.3 Weak Legislations and Enforcement Pathways 25
3.4 Ignorance/Misinformation/Lack of Awareness 28

CHAPTER FOUR: LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK 31
4.1 The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 32
4.2 The Witchcraft Act, CAP 67 Laws of Kenya 33
4.3 Witness Protection Act, CAP 79 36
4.4 The AU Protocol to the ACHPR on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa 37

CHAPTER FIVE: MVI SI UCHAWI CAMPAIGN 40
5.1 Haki Yetu’s interventions 40
5.2 Impact of Haki Yetu’s Interventions 45
5.3 Lessons learned challenges and good practices 46

CHAPTER SIX: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 47
6.1 Recommendations 47
6.2 Conclusion 52

Source: The aged, on edge – witchcraft and abuse of the elderly in Kilifi and Kwale County

Also recommended :

Return of Kilifi witch killings worries authorities

Published: April 12, 2022
By: Maureen Ongala – Nation Media Group, Kenya

Source: Return of Kilifi witch killings worries authorities

Related articles:

Cries for justice for elderly women lynched on witchcraft claims

Published: January 13, 2022
By: Kamau Maichuhie – Nation Media Group

Source: Cries for justice for elderly women lynched on witchcraft claims

And:

Rabai MP faults police for rise in elderly killings

Published: October 29, 2021
By: Maureen Ongala – Nation Media Group, Kenya

Source: Rabai MP faults police for rise in elderly killings

And:

Kisii Governor Ongwae sets up witchcraft taskforce

Published: October 26, 2021
By: Ruth Mbula – Nation Media Group, Kenya

Source: Kisii Governor Ongwae sets up witchcraft taskforce

And also:

Witchcraft murders: Uhuru urged to look into plight of elderly in Kisii

Published: October 21, 2021
By: Ruth Mbula – Nation Media Group, Kenya

Source: Witchcraft murders: Uhuru urged to look into plight of elderly in Kisii

More:

‘She tried to bargain for her life’: Woman recounts granny’s plea to killer mob

Published: October 21, 2021
By: Ruth Mbula – Nation Media Group, Kenya

Relatives at the home of Sindega Maya, 83, in Marina on Monday. Maya was among four women lynched after they were accused of engaging inn witchcraft. (Ondari Omega / National Media Group).

Source: ‘She tried to bargain for her life’: Woman recounts granny’s plea to killer mob

And:

What Kenyan law says about witchcraft

Published: October 19, 2021
By: Stella Cherono – Nation Media group, Kenya

Screenshot – see the original article for details

Source: What Kenyan law says about witchcraft

And, finally, to illustrate that the problems of superstition, the belief in witchcraft and witches and of mob justice has a long history in Kenya:

Two women lynched and houses set on fire in witchcraft claims

Published: January 15, 2017 — updated on June 29, 2020
By: By HENRY NYARORA & JOSHUA ARAKA – Nation Media Group

Source: Two women lynched and houses set on fire in witchcraft claims

South Africa: eight people arrested in Modutung after allegedly killing a woman accused of witchcraft and of kidnapping a young girl for ritual purposes 

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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.”

Source: Eight people arrested in Modutung after allegedly killing a woman during mob justice 

More on the same topic:

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.

Source: More people might be arrested in Modutung mob justice killing

Read also:

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.

Source: Morweng calls for calm in Magogong after woman who was accused of witchcraft torched

Source map: The South African Story: Chapter 1 (https://www.sakan.org.za/Saf_map.html)

Uganda: The grim badge of human sacrifice – Details of the Annual Crime Report 2023

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In February of the current year the Ugandan police launched the Annual Crime Report for 2023.

I was triggered and started searching the internet for the Crime Report after reading a recent article in the Monitor, an Ugandan online newspaper, entitled: The grim badge of human sacrifice. Unfortunately, the access to the article is restricted to subscribers (click here).

Readers interested in the article’s full contents may register and thus obtain access. The article’s beginning is quite revealing and stimulated my interest:

“The discovery of huge number of human skulls in shrines across the country shows how widespread the use of body parts is in ritualistic practices.

The police 2023 crime report show that ritual killings nearly doubled from 46 cases in 2021 to 84 cases in 2023, and increased at around 17 per cent …”

Published: February 21, 2024
By: Mpalangi Ssentongo, Depuy Photo Editor – New Vision, Uganda

The article contains a large number of photos but unfortunately hardly any relevant information.

Source: PICTURES: Police launches 2023 annual crime report

I was triggered by the scarce information on crimes for ritualistic purposes in the above cited articles and started searching on the internet.

Luckily, my search was rewarded!

On the website of the Ugandan Police Force I traced an article, published February 23, 2024 Annual Crime Report 2023 containing the full contents of the report.

The Inspector general of the Uganda Police Force, J.M. Okoth-Ochola (Esq), stated in his introductory remarks:

“It is my pleasure to present the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report for 2023 so as to account to the population on how the Uganda Police Force is fulfilling its mandate as stipulated under Article 212 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.

In 2023, we note that there was a 1.5% decrease in the number of crimes reported to Police from 231,653 cases reported in 2022 to 228,074 cases. I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to those who were able to lodge their complaints at various stations of the Uganda Police Force in the year 2023. It is these reported complaints that enable us compile Annual Crime Reports.

Relatedly, the force has focused on strengthening discipline and adherence to human rights by introducing disciplinary courts in all districts across the country. The introduction of disciplinary courts marks a significant milestone for the Uganda Police Force. These courts aim at enforcing discipline within the force, ensuring that officers adhere to professional standards and human rights. For instance, out of 933 complaints of human rights violations by the police, 794 were thoroughly investigated.”

It is a very interesting report. I will focus here on the crimes with ritualistic motives. Readers interested in other issues are advised to consult the report.

The population of Uganda by mid-2023 was estimated at 45,562,000 people. The reported number of homicides between 2019 and 2023 varied between 4,718 cases in 2019, 3,912 in 2021 and 4,248 in 2023 (Table 6, p.33).

Table 16 on p.47 gives us more details:

Here I single out two crime categories: murder by mob action (number 2) and ritual murders (number 10).

Paragraph 1.3.4.2 provides more details with respect to murders by mob action (Table 19, p.49). Unfortunately, no details are provided with respect to ritualistic crimes. On p.117 mention is made of ‘Disturbing the peace of the dead’ which may refer to a kind of criminal activities related to witchcraft and ritualistic practices but the report does not provide further details. Appendix I: Crimes by crime analysis, however, gives us some insight in ritualistic murders and the number of persons taken to court (p.130).

So we notice that in 1.8% of the reported cases of mob action witchcraft triggered the action: 18 out of 1,039 cases. Interestingly, more men than women were killed in such ‘jungle justice’ actions: 11 respectively 5. However, it cannot be ruled out that the category ‘Any other’ (Number 6) which represents more than 20% of all reported cases – and took the lives of 228 persons – also includes actions triggered by accusations of witchcraft.

We have seen above (Table 16) that the number of reported murders for ritualistic purposes in the 2021 – 2023 period were 46 (2021), 72 (2022) and 84 (in 2023) which means it nearly doubled between 2021 and 2023.

Appendix I shows that only 11 cases out of the 84 reported cases in 2023 led to the trial of the suspected ritual killers. In all, 18 accused stood trial: 14 men and 4 women. All trials were pending in court at the time of publication of the 2023 crime report.

The Ugandan authorities are to be commended for publishing such a detailed report providing insight in the motives and background of crimes committed in the country. As fas as ritualistic murders are concerned more research and analysis is needed to get a full picture of these outdated and horrific crimes which have no place in a modern society.

Uganda: The grim badge of human sacrifice

Monitor, Uganda – Tuesday, September 10, 2024

South Africa: superstition in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province – ‘vampire’ who attacks old lady killed by angry mob

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Warning: the following story and accompanying photo may upset people because of their graphic nature (FVDK).

I post the following article ‘as it is‘: I have virtually no comments – neither do I confirm the truthfulness of the incident reported nor do I present or suggest my belief in the superstition which forms the base and background of the alleged act, bizarre as it is.

Interesting though (and justifying its inclusion on this site) is the reference to a 2015 study of ritual murders in Vhembe, South Africa. Vhembe is situated in the Northern part of Limpopo Province, sharing borders with Zimbabwe in the north, Mozambique through Kruger National Park in the east and Botswana in the north west. Limpopo Province is notoriously known for its ritualistic murders and superstition.

Map of Limpopo Province with municipalities and districts. Source: Map of municipalities in Limpopo –

Reportedly, Dr Alunamutwe Enos Randitsheni wrote a thesis on ritual murders – ‘muti’ murders – while doing his PhD at the University of Venda, and actually said that evil people who believed in such weird practices, such as sucking out someone’s blood, did in fact exist. (italics added by the webmaster FVDK).

“They don’t only exist in Vhembe, but they exist all over the world, and most of them perform these rituals for various reasons but mostly for personal gains,” Dr Dr Alunamutwe Enos Randitsheni alleged, adding that the Tshivenda name for such people was madzhavhathu (cannibals). According to Dr Alunamutwe Enos Randitsheni, most victims are women, children, and people living with albinism.
(FVDK)

‘Vampire’ who attacks old lady killed by angry mob

Published: June 7, 2024
By: Zoutnet, South Africa

A wave of fear and panic has gripped Vhembe District as reports of alleged vampire attacks have surfaced, leading to tragic and violent responses from local communities. In a recent shocking incident, a man accused of being a vampire was beaten to death and burnt by residents of Shikunduville in the Saselamani area.

The tragedy unfolded on Sunday, 26 May, when a man, after reportedly biting an elderly woman on the mouth in Shikunduville, was accused of being a vampire. The woman’s screams for help drew the attention of other members of the community, who rushed to her aid. In their attempt to rescue the victim, the crowd turned their fury on the alleged attacker.

Despite their assault, the man continued his attack, displaying unusual resistance to the beating. The escalating violence culminated in the community’s beating him to death and subsequently burning his body. The traumatic event has left the residents of Shikunduville deeply unsettled and fearful.

The chairperson of the SANCO branch in Saselamani B, Mr Solomon Mathonsi, said the community was still living in fear. “I was at church that Sunday, so I did not see the incident as it unfolded. I was told that the deceased, who worked at a local farm, was going to send money to his family in Mozambique when he started fighting with one of his relatives. He ran away and tried to get inside a neighbour’s house, and a dog attacked him, which forced him to run to another neighbour. He allegedly threatened her that he would bite her and rape her. He attacked her severely, injuring her face, and she looks scary now. Her mouth looks like it is about to be removed, and she appears as if she was attacked by a vicious animal. When the mob was fighting against him, he was roaring like an animal. He looked like he was possessed by evil spirits. We are now left in fear, both young and old,” he said.

According to the police spokesperson in Vhembe, W/O Vuledzani Dathi, the police in Saselamani opened a murder docket after a 29-year-old man was allegedly killed by the community in Shikunduville. He confirmed that the man had been accused of attacking an elderly woman on Sunday, 26 May.

“The police went to house no. 401 in Shikunduville and found the owner, Mr Sam Maceke. The deceased was lying on the ground, wearing black shorts and a black T-shirt. He had injuries on the face and legs. He was tied up with a rope. Mr Maceke told the police that his mother, old lady Nwajaki Priscinah Chauke, was bitten on the mouth by an unknown male person.”

Dathi said the community members had assaulted the male person and tied him up with a rope. “He died at the scene of the crime. He was later identified as Surprise Maluleke of Maineville, a Mozambican with no passport or legal documents. He is said to have been born around 1995. He was taken to Tshilidzini Hospital’s Forensic Pathology department. No arrests have been made so far, and anyone who can assist the police in apprehending the culprits may contact the investigating officer, Sgt Gunguva, on 082 664 6843,” Dathi said.

A 30-second video of old lady Nwajaki Priscinah Chauke narrating how she was attacked started circulating on social media on Wednesday, 29 May. In the footage, Chauke, who can be seen sitting down, wearing a yellow ANC T-shirt and drinking water, said, “He did this to me because he was roaming around my yard. When I asked him what he was looking for, he quickly turned, pushed me, and got inside my house,” she said, speaking in Xitsonga.

The injured lady is currently recovering from her wounds at home.

The incident incited a lot of fear among community members in Vhembe, with many wondering whether creatures such as vampires really exist in Vhembe.

Dr Alunamutwe Enos Randitsheni, who based his thesis on ritual murders in Vhembe while he was doing his PhD at the University of Venda in 2015, said that, during his investigation, he had found that evil people who believed in such weird practices, such as sucking out someone’s blood, did in fact exist.

“They don’t only exist in Vhembe, but they exist all over the world, and most of them perform these rituals for various reasons but mostly for personal gains,” he said. He said the Tshivenda name for such people was madzhavhathu (cannibals).

He added that most of their victims were women, children, and people living with albinism.

The old lady, Nwajaki Priscinah Chauke, who was attacked by an alleged vampire at Shikunduville. 
Photo: Video screen shot.

Source: ‘Vampire’ who attacks old lady killed by angry mob

Burkina Faso: Three-year old child murdered in Ouagadougou – Mob justice leads to death of two suspected ritual murderers

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Reports on ritual murders in Burkina Faso are scarce but this does not imply that this West African country is spared these gruesome crimes. In the past I’ve posted a few articles on the grim fate of persons with albinism in this country and on the belief in witchcraft and superstition in this landlocked country in the Sahel zone of the African continent.

On April 1 a gruesome crime took place in the capital Ouagadougou, in the neighborhood of Rayongo. A three-year old boy, David Ouédraogo, was unscrupulously murdered; it all looked like a ritual murder. The angry crowd attacked and killed two suspects, allegedly foreigners, a third suspect had more luck and was handed over to the police.

The mother of David, Sarata Ouédraogo, a woman in her thirties, is devastated and beyond consolation. She shares her ordeal with a reporter of Omega Medias – clicking the following link will give access to her sad story.
(FVDK)

Screenshot – Sarata Ouédraogo, mother of David, tells her story – to listen to her click here (in French)

Meurtre d’un enfant de 3 ans à Rayongo : Sur la piste d’un crime rituel

Three-year old child murdered in Rayongo-Ouagadougou – mob justice leads to death of two of three suspected ritual murderers

Published: April 4, 2024
By: Charles Dah – Omega Medias, Burkina Faso

Les habitants de rayongo, quartier de la ville de Ouagadougou ont été frappés de stupeur ce lundi 1er avril 2024. La cause, un enfant de 3 ans a été violemment tué. Ses bourreaux seraient trois hommes de nationalité étrangère dont le comportement suspect a attiré l’attention des habitants du quartier. Courroucés, ces derniers finiront par lyncher à mort deux des trois suspects, le troisième quant à lui a été remis aux forces de l’ordre. L’émotion était toujours vive à notre passage, trois jours après le drame et la mère demeure inconsolable.

72 heures après la survenue de l’indicible fait macabre, nous voici sur les lieux du drame. Assis sous un dattier, un groupuscule d’hommes devise à deux pas du domicile familial des Ouedraogo. Touchée par la perte d’un des leurs, un enfant de 3 ans, la famille reçoit les condoléances des habitants du quartier et de ceux venus d’ailleurs. Sur place, l’émotion est vive.

Un peu plus loin, à l’intérieur de la cour, des femmes sont installées. Sur leurs visages se lisent stupeur et désarroi. Par moments, des sanglots montent du groupe, des pleurs dûs à la douleur de la perte brutale et violente du petit David, égorgé par ses bourreaux.

Après échange avec la famille, l’on nous conduit sur la scène du crime située à deux cents mètres du domicile des Ouédraogo.

Sur place, une odeur fétide flotte dans l’air. A l’intérieur de la maison où l’enfant a été tué, du sang, depuis coagulé, recueilli dans des calebasses et des Canaris.
C’est un décor macabre qui a tout d’un crime rituel digne des films d’horreur les plus glaçants. Tout porte à croire que ce sang contenu dans les calebasses est celui de la victime, l’enfant de 3 ans.

Encore effondrée, Sarata Ouédraogo, mère du petit David, la trentaine révolue, yeux rouges, est assise au milieu d’un groupe de dames sur une natte. Visiblement affaiblie par la triste nouvelle, elle s’appuie contre un mur de la maison pour se tenir debout afin de nous expliquer son calvaire. C’est une mère abattue, que nous avons rencontrée ce mercredi 3 avril.
Elle n’arrive toujours pas à croire comment des personnes qui vivaient dans la même cour qu’elle aient pu commettre un acte aussi ignoble, égorger son enfant.
<< Est-ce qu’ils peuvent me faire ça ? On est dans la même maison, c’est moi-même qui prépare et puis vous mangez. Tout ce qu’ils veulent, ils viennent me demander et je leur donne. Jusqu’à ce qu’ils m’appellent maman.>> nous relate la jeune mère entre deux sanglots.

Dame Ouédraogo a été séparée de son fils à jamais. De terribles adieux que la famille Ouédraogo et les habitants du quartier Rayongo digèrent difficilement.

Les faits remontent au lundi 1er avril. En partance au marché la mère de David le laisse à la maison sous la surveillance de la grande sœur de ce dernier. A son retour du marché, plus de David. Malgré de rapides recherches dans le voisinage, pas de nouvelles. Sarata Ouedraogo va questionner un de ses voisins de nationalité étrangère pour savoir s’il a aperçu l’enfant, l’homme lui répond que l’enfant était avec lui il y a à peine 3 minutes. Une réponse qui va semer un doute profond.

Comble de la malice, ledit voisin va même rejoindre un groupe d’habitants, pour poursuivre les recherches, avec probablement pour objectif de donner du temps à ses acolytes pour se débarrasser du corps de l’enfant.
Mais, l’instinct maternel de dame Ouedraogo fini par prendre le dessus. Elle lance au voisin<< Mon enfant est ici (dans la maison du voisin, NDLR). Mon enfant n’est pas ailleurs. Mon enfant est ici. (…) Moi-même je sens que l’enfant est ici.(…) Ce que je sais seulement, c’est que mon enfant est toujours dans cette maison >>. Sarata Ouedraogo nous explique avoir insisté et persisté. Puis elle décide de faire le pied de grue devant la porte de ceux qu’elle soupçonne être à l’origine de la disparition du petit David.

Pendant ce temps, la mobilisation des habitants pour retrouver l’enfant prend de l’ampleur.
Il faudra attendre vers 22h, pour enfin savoir ce qui s’est passé et cela grâce à la contribution d’un homme de tenue arrivé sur place.

<< Quand ils (les habitants du quartier, NDLR) sont partis maintenant, il (le voisin présumé coupable, NDLR) voulait fuir. Le gars (l’homme de tenue, Ndlr) est tourné derrière (à l’arrière de la maison, Ndlr). Il voit quelque chose qui est attaché déposé. Il a voulu soulever, c’est lourd. Djahh c’est mon enfant qui est dedans.>> Ajoute Sarata qui s’effondre en larmes avant de poursuivre <<C’est déjà gâté. Ils ont déjà tué l’enfant.>>.

Les présumés auteurs du crime rituel seront lynchés sur le champ par une foule en colère seul l’un des trois sera remis aux forces de l’ordre arrivées plus tard sur les lieux.

<< C’est une grande tristesse pour nous les membres de la famille. Même si tu es étranger à l’enfant, être témoin de ce drame et tu n’es attristé, tu auras menti.(…) Moi quand j’étais arrivé sur les lieux du drame, j’étais dépassé, car tu mets au monde un enfant et l’élève jusqu’à cet âge et quelqu’un l’egorge comme un poulet, vraiment c’est une perte, une énorme perte>> lâche Sambo Ouedraogo, oncle de la victime.

Le corps sans vie du petit David, ceux de deux des présumés auteurs du meurtre et leur complice rescapé ont été amenés par les forces de l’ordre après les constatations d’usage.

La mère du petit David, en état de choc reste inconsolable. A Rayongo, les habitants sont eux, toujours plongés dans la stupeur.

Ibrahim Niaoné & Abdoul Aziz Zoulabou

Source: Meurtre d’un enfant de 3 ans à Rayongo : Sur la piste d’un crime rituel

Ghana, Central Region: three fishermen mistaken as suspects in ritual killing case; assaulted by mob

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Yesterday a posted an article on a suspected ritual murder attempt at Senya Beraku in the Central Region, Ghana. I also cautioned to be always careful in interpreting facts or so-called facts and not to jump to conclusions.

Apparently this is exactly what happened in the Assin South District of the Central Region when a mob attacked three men who were suspected of involvement in the beheading of young children. It was later discovered that they were innocent but then the beating was over and the fishermen had to be hospitalized where they are being treated – reportedly they are badly wounded.

Mob justice or jungle justice is always wrong. Let the police and the authorities do their work. The rule of law must always prevail.
(webmaster FVDK)

Three fishermen mistaken as suspects in ritual killing case; assaulted by mob

Published: January 31, 2024
By: Eric Nana Yaw Kwafo – Modern Ghana

Ghana, Central Region showing Assin South District where the incident took place

Source: C/R: Three fishermen mistaken as suspects in ritual killing case; assaulted by mob

Nigeria, Adamawa State: man who confessed being a witch and turning his neighbour into a chicken almost lynched to death

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The following article contains a weird story. It’s not about a ritual murder or ritualistic act, although witchcraft could be included in the category of ritualistic acts. The common base is superstition and the belief in the supernatural impact of one’s occult acts or deeds.

Whatever the explanation may be of the behavior of the man who believes that he is a witch and has turned his neighbor into a chicken, the reason to include this article is the wish to demonstrate that also in Adawama State superstition, witchcraft and other ritualistic acts including murder exist. See my postings of 2018: Ritual Killings – over 20 children missing in Adamawa State, 2019: (Ritual killers on rampage in Adamawa State (a 2014 article, and 2021: Adamawa State: Rev. Dr Kehinde Babarinde: ‘The church must speak out against the ritual killing of women’.

Adamawa State is located in located in the North East geopolitical zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones commonly called zones. 

Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones

Adamawa State is one of Nigeria’s largest states, it is the eight largest in land mass ( with a total land mass of 36,917 km2. It is Nigeria thirteenth least populous state with an estimated population of 6 – 7 million people. Adamawa State is mainly inhabited by Fulani people. Other ethnic groups in Adamawa State are the Mumuye, Higi, Kapsiki, Chamba, Margi (Marghi), Hausa, Kilba, Gude, Wurkum, Jukun, and Bata peoples. An estimated 100 indigenous ethnic groups live in this northeastern state which borders Cameroon.
Adamawa State is also religiously very diverse. About 50% of the population is Muslim and 40% is Christian while the remaining 10% are adherents of traditional ethnic religions.
(Source: Wikipedia.)
(webmaster FVDK)

For the official website of the Adawama State government: click here

Man confesses to being a witch and turning his neighbour into a chicken in Adamawa State

Published: August 15, 2023
By: Azonuchechi Chukwu – Naija247News, Nigeria

Ms Azonuchechi Chukwu has a BSC holder in mass communication Ebonyi State University

A 23-year-old man identified as Tangla Isuwa, was almost lynched to death in Adamawa State after he allegedly confessed to being a witch and turning his neighbour, Danladi Markus, “to a chicken for three weeks.”

Tangla, who hails from Dong community in Demsa Local Government Area of the state, allegedly said he bewitched Markus and made him sick for allegedly killing his father by witchcraft in the community.

It was gathered that some youths in the community descended on Tangla and beat him up in an attempt to kill him for the alleged crime.

Spokesman of the state police command, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, who confirmed the incident on Monday, August 14, 2023, said about 15 persons have been arrested for allegedly assaulting the suspect.

During interrogation by the PPRO, Tangla said that in 2020, a man known as Mabudi gave him charms to fortify himself, explaining that Mabudi had asked him to mix the charms with white chicken and eat after cooking it.

Tangla said after he had eaten the chicken mixed the charms, he started seeing animals like rats, horses and cattle with 3 legs and sometimes 6 legs without other people seeing them.

Tangla said that it was at this point in time that he knew he had been initiated into occultism, saying that since then, he became a full fledged witch.

He further narrated that his biological father died this year, and alleged that it was Danladi Markus and his step father known as Absalom who killed him by witchcraft.

According to him, after the death of his father, he met Mabudi and informed him about his plan to retaliate by killing Danladi Markus by witchcraft.

He said that he caught Danladi’s spirit by 2:00am and handed him over to other witches where they tied him with ropes on a mango tree, saying that Danladi became critically ill.

He pointed out that a family meeting was summoned, and that at the meeting, Danladi started mentioning his name and that of Mabudi as those responsible for his sickness

He said that Mabudi escaped from the venue of the meeting leaving him behind, and that immediately, some youths in the community stormed the meeting and forced him to “lose” Danladi or be killed.

Tangla explained that he had pleaded with the youths to wait until 12:00am for him to lose Danladi and assured them that he won’t be killed.

According to him, he went into the spirit and untied him, but that he suffered a lot because Mabudi did not want him to “lose Danladi but to slaughter him for meat.”

Tangla Isuwa assured that he had succeeded in releasing Danladi and that he is at the moment sound and healthy.

He insisted that he is a witch but vehemently denied killing anybody.

Source: Man confesses to being a witch and turning his neighbour into a chicken in Adamawa

Map of Nigeria showing Adamawa State among the 36 states of the Federation

Ogun State – Nigeria: mob justice after a 12-year old boy was ritually murdered on his birthday by his uncle

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The tragic death of a 12-year old boy, Ayomide Agunbiade, who got missing on his birthday, on December 25, and was found later with his head missing, led to a mob action, or jungle justice, which resulted in the death of the two alleged perpetrators among whom the victim’s uncle. Jungle justice is not uncommon in Nigeria where authorities fail to take quick action and the rule of law is weak. It all happened in the Odo Alaro area of Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. In this West African country ritualistic murders (locally called ‘money rituals’) are rampant as explained in yesterday’s posting.
(webmaster FVDK)

Angry crowd lynches man for using his nephew for ritual

The man was said to have confessed to the crime during an interrogation after initially denying knowing the whereabouts of the minor.

Angry crowd lynch man to death for using his nephew for ritual [The Whistle Newspaper]

Published: December 28, 2023
By: Damilare Famuyiwa – Punch, Nigeria

A man, whose identity is yet-to-be disclosed, has been lynched for allegedly using his 12-year-old nephew, Ayomide Agunbiade, for ritual purposes in the Odo Alaro area of Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State.

It was gathered that Agunbiade had gone missing on Christmas Day (Monday, December 25, 2023), which was his birthday after someone identified to be his uncle had come to pick him up in the absence of his mother that he wanted to celebrate his birthday with him.

According to a village elder who pleaded anonymity because he was not permitted to speak on the matter, it was when the case of the missing child was escalated within the community on Tuesday, December 26, that a boy, said to have witnessed the moment the missing boy went with his uncle, told the search party that the deceased took him out on Monday.

The source further stated that when the uncle was confronted about the allegation of knowing the whereabouts of the missing boy, he denied anything about it but that the boy insisted that he was the one who came to pick him for the birthday celebration.

Upon further interrogation by some community members, the said uncle was said to have confessed to know Agunbiade’s whereabouts but told them that he had killed him for ritual purposes.

The source said, “The boy went missing on Christmas Day (Monday) which was his birthday. We learnt that an uncle of his had come to pick him up when his mother was not at home. He was playing with other children in the community when the man came to pick him up that he wanted to celebrate his birthday with him.

“It was yesterday (Tuesday), when the family began to look for him but couldn’t find him that they raised the alarm in the community before a boy whom they were playing together with told the family that it was an uncle that came to pick him for his birthday celebration.

“When we asked the man to take us to the place the child was, he and one other guy took us to an uncompleted building where we found the body of Ayomide with his head missing.

“It was the sight of the state of Ayomide (Agunbiade) that infuriated the crowd who had gathered in numbers. The crowd descended on them and lynched them before police officers came around and took their bodies away.”

When contacted for a reaction, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Omolola Odutola, did not reply to calls made to her line as of the time of filing this report.

Source: Angry crowd lynches man for using his nephew for ritual

More:

Police probe Ogun mob killing, warn against jungle justice

Published: December 29, 2023
By: Johnson Idowu – Punch, Nigeria

Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola

he Ogun State Police Command said it had begun an investigation into the circumstances that led to the lynching of two persons over allegations of the murder of 12-year-old Ayomide Agunbiade for ritual purposes in the Odo Alaro area of Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State on Tuesday.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with PUNCH Metro on Thursday.

PUNCH Metro reports that two yet-to-be-identified persons were lynched by a mob for allegedly killing a 12-year-old boy, Ayomide Agunbiade, for ritual purposes in the Odo Alaro area of Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State on Tuesday.

Our correspondent learnt that Agunbiade had gone missing on Christmas Day (Monday) which was his birthday after someone said to be his uncle had come to pick him up in the absence of his mother in the pretext of celebrating his birthday with him.

A village elder who pleaded anonymity, because he was not permitted to speak on the matter, told our correspondent that it was when the case of the missing child was escalated within the community that a boy, said to have witnessed the moment the missing boy went with his uncle, told the search party that someone who presented himself as an uncle took him out on Monday.

The source further informed PUNCH Metro that when the uncle was confronted about the allegation of knowing the whereabouts of the missing boy, he denied anything about his whereabouts but the boy insisted that he was the one who came to pick him up for the birthday celebration.

It was also gathered that upon further interrogation by some community members, the said uncle confessed to knowing Agunbiade’s whereabouts but told them that he had killed him for ritual purposes.

“It was the sight of the state of Ayomide (Agunbiade) that infuriated the crowd who had gathered in numbers. The crowd descended on them and lynched them before police officers came around and took their bodies away,” he said.

Odutola, who confirmed the incident, stressed that mob action in any form is a punishable offence under the law. She disclosed that the command had begun an investigation into the matter and anyone found culpable would be made to face the law.

“A case of suspected ritual killing was reported to the Odogbolu Divisional Police station on Tuesday and police operatives swung into action immediately. On getting to the scene, the mob had already descended on the suspects. When our officers tried to intervene, the mob attacked the police team which led them to call for reinforcement.

“The police team eventually took the suspects who were in a bad state to the nearest hospital but they were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty. Their bodies and that of the 11-year-old boy had been deposited at the morgue for autopsy.

“The command wish to state clearly that jungle justice or mob action is a punishable offense. We have commenced investigation into the matter and whoever is found culpable will be prosecuted.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alamutu, remains committed to riding the state of criminal elements and will not rest on its oars in dealing decisively with criminals,” Odutola concluded.

Source: Police probe Ogun mob killing, warn against jungle justice

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Two Lynched Over Alleged Murder In Ogun

For allegedly killing a 12-year-old boy, Ayomide Ogunbiade for ritual purposes, two yet-to-be-identified persons were reportedly lynched by a mob in the Odo Alaro area of Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State on Tuesday.

Published: December 28, 2023
By: Kazeem Badmus – OsunDefender, Nigeria

Osun Defender gathered that Agunbiade went missing on Monday after someone identified to be his uncle had come to pick him up in the absence of his mother that he wanted to celebrate his birthday with him.

A resident of the area who pleaded anonymity, said a boy who witnessed the moment the missing boy went with his uncle, told the search party that an uncle took him out on Monday,

The source said although the uncle denied involvement when confronted about the allegation, the boy insisted that he was the one who came to pick him up for the birthday celebration.

It was also gathered that upon further interrogation by some community members, the said uncle confessed to knowing Agunbiade’s whereabouts but told them that he had killed him for ritual purposes.

The source said, “The boy went missing on Christmas Day (Monday) which was his birthday. We learnt that an uncle of his had come to pick him up when his mother was not at home. He was playing with other children in the community when the man came to pick him up that he wanted to celebrate his birthday with him.

“It was yesterday (Tuesday) when the family began to look for him but couldn’t find him that they raised the alarm in the community before a boy whom they were playing together with told the family that it was an uncle that came to pick him up for his birthday celebration.

“When we asked the man to take us to the place the child was, he and one other guy took us to an uncompleted building where we found the body of Ayomide with his head missing.

“It was the sight of the state of Ayomide (Agunbiade) that infuriated the crowd who had gathered in numbers. The crowd descended on them and lynched them before police officers came around and took their bodies away.”

A senior police source close to the community confirmed the incident but declined to comment further for lack of authority to speak with the media.

“The incident truly happened but you know I cannot make comments on it because I am not authorised to speak with the media.”

Source: Two Lynched Over Alleged Murder In Ogun

More:

Mob lynches 2 over ritual murder of minor in Ogun

Published: December 28, 2023
By: TSJ Reporter 3 – The Street Journal, Nigeria

Source: Mob lynches 2 over ritual murder of minor in Ogun

Map of Nigeria showing Ogun State among the 36 states of the Federation