Recently, there have been reports of some residents of Isiala-Ngwa, Ihiala In Abia, and Anambra states fleeing their homes over the rising cases of ritual killings in these places. Information gathered from fleeing residents stated that people were being hacked to death and their bodies mutilated by unknown persons who go away with vital organs. One of the residents disclosed that there has been constant mysterious disappearance of persons with their mutilated bodies later found.
According to the resident, he stated that a total number of four persons have been killed in this manner in recent times with dismembered bodies later found. As a result of this dastardly act on the rise, out of fear, some residents have run for dear lives seeking safety out of the town to areas they consider safe. Recall recently that the house of reps declared an emergency over ritual killings in Nigeria. They urged the inspector general of police to bring to book and persecute all those involved in the act.
I want to believe that they have swung into immediate action to put a halt to these incessant killings. This is not a period to dilly-dally on this matter. The rising ritual cases have raised eyebrows and it should be treated with urgency. Truth be told, if this issue is still being handled with levity, it will suddenly degenerate into chaos. Ritualists now carry out their dastardly acts with full confidence void of fear. It has gotten to the extent where people, especially people in the South East no longer sleep with their two eyes closed.
According to reports, more residents in the South East are contemplating moving out of the area as a result of the situation. Lately, I have been writing continuously on the issue of ritual killings in Nigeria and the need for urgent solutions to stop it. The ritual killings is beginning to spread like wildfire. It is disheartening to know that residents in the Southeast are already fleeing their homes. Has it gotten to the point where residents now leave their homes seeking solace elsewhere for the fear of being killed by rituals? What happened to security personnel? This calls for an immediate manhunt for these ritualists. These ritual killers usually target ladies as their prime target, but currently, it has gotten to the stage where no one is safe irrespective of gender.
A look into most of these killings occurring in the country, it is disheartening to find out that most of those involved are mostly youths who are Internet fraudsters, popularly known as “Yahoo Boys”. Lately, they do not only defraud their victims, they now couple it with ritual practices which they believe will help them get more victims. I have said it countless times that although to curb this issue all hands must be on deck, but then, the government actively has a role to play. Most of these youths are idle due to unemployment. Once the government is intentional about creating jobs for the youths across the country, which will definitely keep them engaged, the issue of ritual practices will be drastically reduced.
It is very sad how we have gotten to this point where people just kill another human because they want to be rich. These killings have been thriving because the laws are weak and punishment is almost non-existent for serious crimes especially when the offender has money to bribe. But when those caught in the act are severely dealt with, it will serve as a deterrent to the rest.
