Residents of Kogi, Nasarawa, and Niger states have raised alarm over the increasing cases of ritual killings across the country, calling on security agencies and stakeholders to take urgent action.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), they described the trend as disturbing, attributing it to greed, desperation for wealth, weak law enforcement, and the decline of societal values.
Alhaji Idris Miliki-Abdul, Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflicts Resolution (CHRCR) stressed the need for stricter law enforcement and stronger collaboration between conventional security forces and local security outfits like Amotekun, hunters, and vigilantes.
Mr Eleojo Opaluwa, a criminology doctoral student, warned that the rising cases of ritual killings posed a significant threat to society. He emphasized the need for improved law enforcement and a reorientation of societal values to combat the menace.
Dr. Someone Oyiguh, Chairman of Kogi East Neighborhood Watch, identified economic hardship and greed as major factors fueling the crime. He urged the government to create more economic opportunities for young people and enhance intelligence gathering.
Other stakeholders, including human rights lawyer Nuhu Mohammed and security expert Dr Abdullahi Jabbi, pointed to poverty, unemployment, and weak policies as key drivers of the crisis. They called for economic reforms, social interventions, and enhanced security measures to tackle the issue effectively.
Meanwhile, Nasarawa State Police Public Relations Officer SP Ramhan Nansel stated that while no recent confirmed cases of ritual killings had been recorded in the state, authorities were investigating a recent murder case.
Residents urged parents, community leaders, and government agencies to take proactive steps in instilling moral values, strengthening law enforcement, and addressing the root causes of ritual killings to secure the nation’s future.
