Chasing Shadows: The rising menace of ritual killings and greed for quick money in Nigeria, by Gift Luckson
Residents of the Aba Alfa community in Boluwaji, Ibadan, Oyo State, were thrown into shock and mourning over the gruesome murder of a woman identified as Iya Dupe by suspected ritualists.
According to reports, the incident occurred overnight, and the victim’s dismembered body was discovered early Wednesday morning.
Residents said the victim’s head, breasts, and other vital organs were removed by her assailants.
Eyewitnesses explained that the woman, who was slightly ill, had gone out around 9p.m. on Tuesday to buy bread, but she never returned alive.
Neighbours who went to check on the deceased on Wednesday were met with the horrifying scene of her mutilated remains inside her home.
Residents described the discovery as “heartbreaking and inhuman,” adding that ritual-related killings were becoming a disturbing trend in parts of Ibadan, Oyo State capital, despite several security efforts.
The Oyo State Police Command and the Amotekun Corps have reportedly been alerted to the killing. Community leaders have also called on the government and security agencies to intensify patrols and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
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Brother plucks out sister’s eyes for rituals
In October 2025, a 17-year-old boy was arrested in Bauchi for removing his sister’s eyes for the purpose of a money ritual.
According to the Bauchi State Police Command, the suspect, Auwalu Mohammad, elder brother to the victim, Rukayya Mohammad, reportedly committed the crime on October 17 in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of the state.
Police statement said that findings revealed that the girl, Rukayya Muhammad, lost her two eyes “permanently after her elder brother, Auwalu Muhammad, removed both of her eyes for a money ritual in a desperate attempt to gain wealth.
According to the command’s spokesperson, Ahmed Wakil, the victim’s father disclosed that the suspect (Auwalu) lured his sister, who shared the same parents, into the bush, where he brutally attacked her and forcefully plucked her eyes.
“Unfortunately, a medical doctor (eye specialist) at the hospital confirmed that the young girl will never regain her vision for the rest of her life.
“During interrogation, the suspects voluntarily confessed to the crime. Investigation is ongoing to uncover the motive behind their heinous act and to bring all individuals connected to justice.”
The Greed for Quick Wealth
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing rise in cases linked to human rituals, often driven by the insatiable greed for quick wealth.
Ritual killings, kidnappings, and other violent crimes are increasingly being reported across the country, reflecting deep social, economic, and moral challenges.
Many perpetrators are motivated by the allure of fast money, believing in superstition, charms, or secret societies to gain wealth or success.
A Threat To Human Existence
This dangerous trend not only threatens innocent lives but also erodes public trust and social cohesion. Victims often include the vulnerable, children, youths, and the marginalised, leaving communities traumatised and families shattered.
Experts argue that addressing this menace requires a combination of strict law enforcement, public education on the dangers of ritual practices, and robust socio-economic interventions to reduce poverty and desperation, which often drive people into the hands of ritualists.
The Need for Collective Action
Without collective action, the pursuit of “easy money” at the expense of human life may continue to cast a dark shadow over Nigerian society.
In almost every village, town and city across Nigeria, whispers of dark deeds have grown louder. Reports of human ritual killings, and gruesome acts tied to the pursuit of sudden wealth are becoming increasingly common.
Innocent people are sacrificed in the hope of charms, spiritual favours, or mystical wealth.
Communities must unite to reject superstitious practices that endanger human lives, while youths need avenues for legitimate success to resist the temptation of instant wealth.
The fight against human rituals is not just a legal battle but a moral and social one. How society responds will define whether the next generation inherits a country of hope, or one haunted by greed and blood.
Deep Societal Problem
The rise of ritual crimes reflects deeper societal issues: poverty, unemployment, and the allure of shortcuts to prosperity in a society where opportunities are scarce.
Law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to curb this menace, but experts argue that policing alone cannot end it. Public awareness campaigns, moral education, and socio-economic interventions are crucial to tackling the root causes.
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