Ritual Killings Among Nigerian Youth

In recent times, the prevalence of ritual killings in Nigeria has heightened public debate and condemnation, especially when it comes to the rationale behind such crimes. Some cultures have been practising ritual killings, sometimes known as “human sacrifice,” for ages as part of the cornerstone of their belief systems. However, an examination of killings with ritualistic motivations in Nigeria has revealed that the practice is believed to bring about protection, wealth, and transformation, among other things. The increasing number of ritual-related deaths largely driven by the desire for wealth has once again drawn significant public attention due to its prevalence, notably among young people.

One of the reasons for the rise in ritual killings involving young people is the increasing rate of cybercrime. Cybercrime, or ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ in the Nigerian context, refers to the criminal use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to commit crimes such as wire transfer fraud and identity theft. However, the consequences of cybercrime do not end in the web space but set the stage for more violent crimes like robbery and murder. Some perpetrators of these cybercrimes have even taken a step further into “Yahoo Plus“, which involves ritual killings, kidnaps and assaults for ‘good fortune’. Unfortunately, the female population is the most targeted demographic in these gruesome murders, making up the majority of ritual killings among young people in Nigeria. For instance, Grace Onaivi, a 300-level student at Benue State University, went missing on December 23, 2016. A week later, her disfigured body was found with certain pieces missing in what appeared to be a ‘ritualistic’ fashion. The same month, Rofiat Damilola Adebisi, an Osun State University 400-Level student, was similarly murdered while travelling. Two days later, her body was found with missing body parts. She was abducted and allegedly “sold” for ₦10,000, according to two suspects who were later apprehended. These cases are part of a larger trend spreading across Nigeria, as young people, especially women, are targeted for ritual purposes.  

Amidst widespread condemnation of these chilling activities, ritual killings among young people must be treated as a matter of national urgency. Institutions and security agencies should take steps to address it before it becomes a pandemic. Reports from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) indicate a growing issue of cybercrimes in Nigerian tertiary institutions, and with this comes the possibility of ritual killings and other violent crimes. If left unabated, the threat that this trend poses to the more than 2.1 million young people currently studying in Nigerian tertiary institutions will be detrimental to the country.

With the current attacks on academic institutions ranging from terrorist attacks, robberies and sexual assault, most of which target the female demographic, allowing ritual killings to permeate tertiary institutions will add to the growing list of factors inhibiting education in Nigeria. The threat becomes more serious when viewed from the context that female enrolment is lower than males in the tertiary and secondary education levels. Therefore, there is a need to ensure that within each tertiary institution, the security of students is taken seriously. As most ritual killings among young people are linked to cybercrime, tertiary institutions can establish rules, policies, and procedures consistent with the Cybercrime Act of 2015. This will demonstrate their shared commitment to ending illegal activities among students.

In addition, the increased involvement of young people in organised crime as a means of accumulating wealth highlights the problem of youth unemployment and the social pressures that accompany it on the youth in communities. Aside from the youth’s tendency towards get-rich-quick syndrome, there is evidence of wealthy and powerful individuals employing young people to carry out ritual killings for purported spiritual protection, to maintain wealth, or to hold onto political power. Some arrested suspects have claimed that government employees, politicians, and affluent Nigerians were the sponsors of their numerous crimes. In this sense, powerful individuals might use their position to thwart attempts made by law enforcement to reduce crime and safeguard the safety of those more susceptible.

Despite the positive impact of social media globally, the increasing reliance of criminals on these platforms to plan violent acts, find new members, and entice victims remains a cause for concern. The vulnerability of young people to harmful materials on social media significantly shapes their behaviour. The increased susceptibility to criminal activities among the youth can be attributed to unsupervised exposure to content on social media platforms and the lack of vigilant parental monitoring during online activities. The Four teenagers arrested in Ogun State on  January 29, 2022, for assaulting and decapitating their female victim mentioned how they learned about the money ritual on Facebook. This decline in societal values continues to have ripple effects on moral degeneration, affecting teenagers.

Ultimately, every Nigerian has a role in ensuring society is not consumed by degeneracy. The Federal and State governments should further strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to acquire intelligence and conduct surveillance to monitor criminal activity and enable the arrest and conviction of those responsible for it. More importantly, for these unscrupulous ways of accumulating wealth among young Nigerians to be effectively curtailed, the leaders must play their roles efficiently. They must understand that the foundations set now will determine tomorrow’s future. Young people cannot develop into trusted adults without trusted leaders to look up to. A solid and practical moral foundation built on sound ideas should be encouraged by leaders across all sectors.

Additionally, through the National Orientation Agency (NOA), an attitudinal reorientation of the civil populace concerning the sanctity of life can be carried out with sufficient funding from the Federal Government. The National Film and Video Censors Board, educational institutions, traditional and religious organisations, CSOs, and the media should all work together to implement this to disseminate societal ideals. Finally, to lessen poverty and lessen young people’s susceptibility to committing crimes, the federal and state governments should keep expanding and creating sustainable employment and skill-acquisition options for youth, including those who are not enrolled in school.