Bella Ifasola
OSUN, Nigeria ‐ A Nigerian man was paraded by police in Osun State for allegedly slaughtering his friend.
The suspect, Kehinde Ganiyu, 50, reportedly killed his Ghanaian friend on sick bed, and cut out the throat region to make ritual soap for internet fraudsters known as ‘Yahoo boys’ in the country.
It was gathered the incident occurred at Oba-Oke in Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun State last Thursday after which Ganiyu was arrested.
Parading the suspect at the Osun Police Command, the Police Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola disclosed that he was arrested with four blood-stained knives, one chisel, two gourds, wooden traditional pot containing black soap, two sponges with black soap, traditional tray(Opon Ifa) and local charms.
Ganiyu confessed to journalists that he killed his intimate friend and used the throat region he cut out of him for ritual soap.
“I visited my friend, Emmanuel Collins in his house because he was sick. While he was in bed, I took a knives and cut out his throat part. I took the part to prepare ritual money soap for Yahoo boys,” he said.
“I am an herbalist and a farmer. I use to do that kind of ritual for yahoo boys but they are the one that do bring human part. This time around, I look out for the part myself. I regretted my action because I also attended his burial but suspicion and investigation of police led to my arrest. I don’t believe that I can kill my age-long friend like that.”
Nigeria is presently grappling with a sinister phenomenon that has already claimed countless lives and left families devastated. Ritual killing, driven by the belief that human body parts can be used for sudden wealth and power to manipulate and control, has become a scary reality in the country. This heinous practice, which is usually glossed over as a folktale until one falls victim, is an affront to human dignity and a blight on our collective conscience.
Recent data suggests that the problem is escalating. According to the National Human Rights Commission, over 200 reported cases of ritual killings occurred in Nigeria between 2018 and 2020. The victims are often vulnerable individuals, including children, women, and the elderly. The perpetrators, often fueled by greed and misguided beliefs, prey on innocent lives, leaving families and communities shattered.
It is important to note that ritual killings are a complex issue, and no single factor can fully explain their occurrence. Addressing the social state of the perpetrators requires a comprehensive approach that involves education, economic empowerment, cultural sensitisation, and governance reform.
Poverty, unemployment, and a lack of education create an environment where desperate individuals are preyed upon by unscrupulous ritualists.
The belief in the efficacy of human body parts for wealth and power is fueled by ignorance, superstition, and false narratives. Some individuals believe that human organs and body parts possess spiritual powers that can bring wealth, success, and protection. This belief is perpetuated by false narratives and superstitions by dishonest individuals.
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