₦airaland Forum

IBADAN —YORUBA elders under the auspices of Kaaro Oojiire ÌmÍ Oodua Foundation, KOOOF, yesterday, expressed worry over the rising cases of ritual killing and body parts harvesting in the South West.

The Yoruba elders, in a statement by their Vice President/Diaspora Counsel, Gbenga Adewusi, wondered how cases of human decapitation and harvesting of human bodies have now become a daily occurrence.

Adewusi said: “The recurrence of the activities of those involved in the human ritual in the Southwest is indeed a shameful episode that should no longer be ignored and or swept under the carpet by all stakeholders in Yoruba land.

“What makes the news alarming is the regularity of the sordid and inhuman activities, and the various types of people involved – from Muslim imams to Christian pastors, from teenagers to old and young men and women.

“If urgent actions are not taken it will ultimately affect the peace, tranquillity, progress, and development of the Southwest because no investor wants to invest in an area where citizens are regularly and gruesomely murdered to harvest their body parts.

“The current evidence gleaned from news reports indicate that the majority of those caught by the security services have been Muslim Alfas and Christian pastors. However, this simple fact is not an excuse to exonerate the Yoruba people from the menace of ritual killing because all those caught by the authorities were mostly sons and daughters of the Southwest soil.”

While condemning the act, KOOOF insisted that something urgent needed to be done to bring the scourge to a halt.

“We are all aware that there is a false narrative about ritual killing in the Southwest. The false narrative is that ritual killing is practised by the traditional Yoruba religious believers. This false perception is neither supported with available evidence nor is far separated from the truth.”

“We, members of KOOOF boldly state that there is no money ritual at all. Those engaged in ritual killings for money are not practising the authentic Yoruba tradition.”

Vinnie2000:
During the days of Awolowo, Y0rubas were renowned in Academics and High Intellect.

But since Ebola Tinibu entered the Political scene, It is Agberoism and SkullerShip that has taken y0rubaland.

LivingSage:
There should be law across southwest geopolitical zone that sentence anyone found culpable of ritual killings to death

Without this, there's nothing going to happen.

This is my watch ward if I found myself in any position that will make it happen.

Malroux:
It can't happen. It is your culture

LivingSage:
Go home and ask your parents to tell you the history of Okotako hotel in Imo State.

Ask your uncles about the okija shrine in Ihiala LGA Anambra where hundreds of dead bodies was discovered and close to hundreds (60-80) were headless (mutilate).

Ask your aunty to tell you about governor Theodore Orji if Abia who was caught almost naked on tape performing ritual at okija shrine.

That of IPOB Terrorists cannibalism is not far for u to remember, I'm reminding you.

After that, come back here and delete the nonsense you've written here

Malroux:
A blatant lie. It has always been part of Yoruba culture even before Awolowo.

Malroux:
It can't happen. It is your culture

UncleAyo:
Something needed to be done urgently


The rising cases of ritual killings are deeply troubling and call for collective action from individuals, communities, and governments. Here are some strategies to address the issue:

1. Strengthening Law Enforcement

Enhance security measures: Increase police presence in areas prone to ritual killings.

Special task forces: Establish units dedicated to investigating ritual-related crimes.

Swift justice: Prosecute perpetrators promptly to deter others.


2. Public Awareness Campaigns

Education: Raise awareness about the dangers and myths surrounding rituals through media, schools, and community programs.

Engage influencers: Use religious, traditional, and community leaders to debunk myths and promote positive cultural values.


3. Address Root Causes

Poverty alleviation: Many people turn to rituals out of desperation for wealth or success. Addressing unemployment and poverty can reduce this desperation.

Mental health support: Offer counseling for individuals tempted by harmful beliefs or practices.


4. Collaboration with Religious and Traditional Institutions

Engage faith leaders: Partner with churches, mosques, and temples to promote ethical teachings.

Traditional leaders: Work with local chiefs and elders to discourage harmful practices within cultural contexts.


5. Legislation and Policy Reform

Stronger laws: Enact and enforce stricter laws against ritual killings and related activities.

Regulate spiritual practices: Monitor and regulate activities of individuals or groups promoting harmful beliefs.


6. Community Vigilance

Neighborhood watch groups: Encourage communities to report suspicious activities.

Empowerment programs: Train citizens to identify and counter harmful practices.


7. Promote Positive Cultural Values

Highlight success stories: Share stories of people who succeeded through legitimate means.

Youth engagement: Provide platforms for young people to express themselves and focus on productive activities.


8. Leveraging Technology

Hotlines and apps: Establish anonymous platforms for reporting ritual-related activities.

Surveillance: Use drones, cameras, and other technologies in crime-prone areas.


Addressing ritual killings requires a holistic approach that combines prevention, enforcement, and re-education. Everyone has a role to play in eradicating this menace.

LivingSage:
Go home and ask your parents to tell you the history of Okotako hotel in Imo State.

Ask your uncles about the okija shrine in Ihiala LGA Anambra where hundreds of dead bodies was discovered and close to hundreds (60-80) were headless (mutilate).

Ask your aunty to tell you about governor Theodore Orji if Abia who was caught almost naked on tape performing ritual at okija shrine.

That of IPOB Terrorists cannibalism is not far for u to remember, I'm reminding you.

After that, come back here and delete the nonsense you've written here