Blood for Wealth

Ritual killings have become a significant social vice. These gruesome acts often involve the murder of individuals whose body parts are used in rituals believed to bring wealth, power, or protection. The increase in ritual killings highlights deeper economic, social, and cultural challenges facing the country. This disturbing trend persists, particularly among the youth, as a result of poverty, high unemployment, and societal pressure.  With approximately 33 per cent of the population unemployed, young people are disproportionately affected by the lack of job opportunities. This has led to a generation feeling increasingly desperate to break free from the cycle of poverty. Some are lured into the belief that ritual killings provide a quick path to wealth. A newspaper investigation reveals that many Nigerians strongly believe wealth can be attained through supernatural means, a notion that is often reinforced by cultural beliefs and the glorification of wealth in popular culture.

A report shows how economic hardships propel youths into dangerous means of seeking quick, easy money. The belief in supernatural wealth through rituals is thus appealing in a world with increasing pressures to ‘make it big materially and fast’, is often prioritised over legitimate opportunities. The desperation-imbued mindset has been fuelled by the idea that “money rituals” have a way of ensuring escape from poverty. Nextier, in its research publication “Ritual Killing Among Nigerian Youth,” identifies a surge in cybercrime as another contributing factor. This is such that usage of ICT to commit crimes and the need for “good fortune” pushes pepetrators into ritual killings. Additionally, ritual killings, often linked to the pursuit of “good fortune,” frequently target women as victims.

Social media and pop culture have also played a significant role in shaping Nigerian youth’s perceptions. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook showcase lavish lifestyles, fuelling the “get rich quick” mentality. The pressure to achieve material success can be overwhelming, especially for those struggling in Nigeria’s ailing economy. Nollywood, the country’s film industry, has also contributed to shaping public perceptions of money rituals. At times, films and music videos depict human sacrifice or “juju” as a means to acquire wealth, normalising the idea that such practices are a gateway to success. These portrayals desensitise the younger generation, reinforcing harmful misconceptions that these acts lead to prosperity and fame.

Peer pressure or involvement with cult groups are also significant drivers of ritual killings in Nigeria. Cultism, a persistent issue particularly in universities and urban centres, often leads young people into criminal activities, ranging from armed robbery to ritualistic practices. These cult groups prey on vulnerable youths, offering promises of power, influential positions, or protection in exchange for participation in violent rituals. Some cults and criminal networks have even commercialised ritual killings, trading human body parts on the black market for use in various ceremonies or rituals. Also there is a growing industry in several parts of the country, where human body parts are bought and sold like commodities.

The impact of ritual killings extends far beyond the immediate victims and their families, affecting society as a whole. These killings have fostered a culture of fear and mistrust, with people becoming increasingly wary of strangers and even those they know who might be linked to such practices. In communities where these acts have occurred, paranoia has set in, exacerbated by the inefficiency of law enforcement. Moreover, the involvement of young people in these crimes represents a significant loss of human potential. Instead of contributing positively to society, these youth engage in destructive behaviour that erodes social cohesion. The moral decay that accompanies ritual killings further undermines Nigeria’s efforts to build a just and peaceful society.

While the Nigerian government has made efforts to curb ritual killings, the problem persists. Law enforcement agencies face significant challenges in apprehending perpetrators, especially in rural areas where traditional beliefs protect those involved in these acts. There have been arrests and convictions, which are insufficient to deter future crimes. The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has undertaken campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of ritual killings and the fallacy of believing in supernatural wealth. Religious leaders and community elders have also spoken out against the practice, emphasising the need for moral education and the rejection of harmful traditions.

Schools, religious institutions, and community organisations should be deeply involved in ensuring that values of hard work, integrity, and respect for human life are instilled in the youth. Programmes through the National Orientation Agency must be mounted as a counterbalance to social media and pop culture’s influences on the youth. Such programmes can aid young people to critically assess what they see online and resist the temptation to pursue wealth through illegitimate means. Alongside education, there is a pressing need for job creation and poverty alleviation programmes that offer real economic opportunities to Nigeria’s youth. Equipping young people with skills training, mentorship, and access to capital for entrepreneurship provides alternatives to the path of ritual killings.

Ritual killings among Nigerian youths are a symptom of deeper socio-economic and cultural problems. Poverty, unemployment, cultural beliefs, and social media pressure have contributed to the growth of this horrific practice. While it remains a serious issue for the government and society, more must be done to address the underlying causes of economic desperation, moral decay, and the glorification of wealth. Education, awareness campaigns, and job creation are crucial to eradicating ritual killings and providing Nigerian youth with a future grounded in integrity and hard work.

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Ritual Killings Among Nigerian Youth