Ritual killings are so commonplace around Africa, although they vary in the ways they are carried out, it usually boils down mostly to human sacrifices for purposes surrounding religious practices (usually satanism and the occult),. Many people involved in these practices perpetrate these acts for money, protection or political power, among others.

Going by what is commonly seen around Africa, sometimes victims could be children, babies, young men or women, these victims are mostly kidnapped by either total strangers or those they seem to have a connection with (could be familial, sexual or otherwise).

Perpetrators of ritual killings most of the time, do not necessarily have a conscience while carrying out their dastardly acts because they believe in the powers that drive them to commit such acts, that is until they are caught and exposed. They vary as well, some could be young men and women or a couple or single adults who feel the need to become involved in the occult while seeking ways to get-rich-quick through human sacrifices.

Although some of these killings are carried out in the spiritual realm, where the victim is killed in their sleep, some of the time, the perpetrator will have to carry out the sacrifice physically by ripping out the heart or cutting off the head or other parts of the human body.

In Nigeria, for instance, the mainstream media has consistently reported that dead bodies were found on many a roadside after perpetrators have removed several parts for ritual purposes, other times, victims were relatives or neighbours. For instance, in July 2012, two men from Nasarawa State confessed to killing a seven-year-old boy, the child of neighbours, and severing his head for a man who had promised them 250,000 Nigerian Naira.

The 2004 Criminal Code Act of Nigeria stipulates that any person who is in possession of or has control over any human remains which are used or are intended to be used in connection with the worship of invocation of any juju;

or makes or uses or assists in making or using, or has in his possession anything whatsoever
the making, use or possession of which has been prohibited by an order as being or
believed to be associated with human sacrifice or other unlawful practice;

is guilty of a misdemeanour, and is liable to imprisonment for two years.

Ritual killings are usually on the rise during festive seasons like Christmas, where many people seek a lot of money to impress their loved ones and neighbours with a sudden display of wealth as well as during election periods, which makes many politicians involve themselves in the occult seeking to retain or gain access to power by killing people to sacrifice to the dark side, which they believe will guarantee them the power they seek.

In many African countries, ritual killings are committed for the purpose of taking human body parts which are used to prepare charms and other traditional medicines. These charms are believed to have supernatural powers which are greatly enhanced if the organs are removed while the victim is still alive.

The Herald wrote in 2011 that;

In Southern Africa there is a belief that female body parts possess supernatural powers that bring good fortune or make criminals invisible to police and other authorities, and in East Africa, the breast and a woman’s private parts enhance business success, a man’s private parts are also believed to increase virility whilst a tongue can smooth one’s path to a lover’s heart.

Perpetrators of ritual killings often target those who are poor and have no one to fight for them. Isn't it time for all government regimes in Africa to stand up to and actively fight against this rising scourge?

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