BY FAVOUR PERCY-IDUBOR
RITUAL Killings have alarmingly become a play thing among a segment of youths. In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing surge in ritual killings, a horrific trend that now ensnares the youth. It is believed that several socio-economic factors drive people to go into ritual killings. Such factors include; Wealth, Power, Defense and more. The question remains, are any of these worth taking life for?
Some residents in Edo State aired their views on the matter.
From Mr. Raymond Eboigbe B.Sc, MBA UNIBEN. Managing Director/CEO, Ray Channels Transport Ltd. Benin City.
The phrase “Blood for Wealth: Unmasking the Alarming Rise in Ritual Killings” suggests a serious and concerning issue related to the practice of ritual killings, which are often motivated by beliefs that such acts can bring wealth, prosperity, or other benefits to individuals or communities.
For me, Raymond Eboigbe as a believer in Christ Jesus, it’s against our belief system to pursue success through such process and also abominable in Christendom!
The pursuit of wealth by any means of this present dispensation has led to this ugly trend in Nigeria today. Where our youths are selling their souls to Satan called Mammon! Mammon in the New Testament is commonly thought to mean money, material wealth, or any entity that promises wealth, and is associated with the greedy pursuit of gain.
There’s an Alarming Rise in this act of pursuit for wealth by our youths today: This indicates that there is an increasing frequency of these incidents, which is a cause for concern. It suggests that the problem is growing and may be affecting communities or societies in significant ways if not curbed or quickly addressed by leaders in our communities and government through security agencies.
Unmasking- This term implies an effort to reveal or expose the truth behind these practices, perhaps highlighting the underlying beliefs, motivations, and societal factors that contribute to the rise in ritual killings. Yes social media has contributed in a way to this ugly trend in our society today as some skits, drama and films shown through this media influences by way of the information brought to bear to our unrefined youths, particularly the uneducated amongst them; as some youths believe that such route can provide them wealth which to me is a mirage and unfathomable.
Overall, the phrase “Blood for Wealth: Unmasking the Alarming Rise in Ritual Killings” points to a troubling trend where desperate or misguided beliefs lead to violence, and it calls for awareness and action to address the issue. It may also suggest a need for education, cultural understanding, and intervention to prevent such practices and protect vulnerable individuals. As ritualistic killings is gradually becoming the order of the day in our country Nigeria but I believe stiffer penalty and punishment like death penalty be enacted by government through security agencies and the courts of law will reduce or bring to an end this ugly trend.
Elakhe Imoukhede, Pastor Agape Family Church, Benin City, President, Nigeria Christian Graduate Fellowship Benin chapter, and Chairman Coalition of Associations of Private Schools in Edo State CAPSES has these to say
“I don’t believe that one can make money by killing another for rituals
This ugly trend has been fuelled over the years by home videos which promotes wealth from ritual killings.
The flaunting of stupendous wealth ignites appetite for luxurious lifestyle.
Government should promote hardwork and diligence by seeking out every day hardworking struggling individuals for life transforming awards/grants. They should make credit easily available and accessible to interested hardworking struggling citizens wanting to grow their legitimate businesses. All religious and traditional bodies must begin to place value on hardwork above wealth and begin to teach and preach morals.
Law enforcement agencies must eliminate all financial barriers to justice eg payment for case files, tracking stolen phones, bails, mobilisation and all and any form of money changing hands must be eradicated plus the allotment of police and military men to rich. Only civil defence or private security should be available on request to those needing special protection”.
Mr. Oladele Ogundele says, there is no proven scientific or logical basis for the belief that ritual killings can generate wealth. These practices are based on superstition, misinformation, and manipulative schemes by individuals who prey on desperate or gullible people. While some perpetrators may temporarily amass wealth through fraud, intimidation, or criminal activities linked to such practices, there is no mystical or supernatural force that rewards human sacrifice with financial gain.
Several factors contribute to the rise in ritual killings, including:
Economic Hardship: Many young people feel trapped in poverty and turn to desperate measures in search of quick wealth.
Cultural and Superstitious Beliefs: In some communities, people still believe that human sacrifices can bring wealth, power, or success.
Social Media Influence: Online fraudsters (e.g., “Yahoo Plus” scammers) have popularized the notion that ritual sacrifices can enhance financial success.
Weak Law Enforcement: Many ritual killers go unpunished or receive lenient sentences, encouraging others to engage in similar acts.
Media Glorification: Some movies and music videos depict ritual killings as a shortcut to riches, influencing impressionable minds.
Over time, ritual killings have evolved from being linked to traditional religious practices to becoming a criminal enterprise tied to cyber fraud and political power struggles.
Social media has created a culture of instant gratification, where wealth and luxury lifestyles are flaunted without showing the hard work behind them. Many young people feel pressured to “make it” at all costs, leading them to explore dubious means, including ritual killings. Additionally, movies and music sometimes sensationalize wealth acquired through occult means, further reinforcing the myth that such practices work. Society’s obsession with material success, rather than ethical achievement, also pushes people into dark practices.
Law Enforcement: Stricter laws and swift prosecution of offenders will deter potential perpetrators.
Religious Bodies: Religious leaders should educate their followers about the dangers of ritual killings and emphasize hard work and integrity.
Community Leaders: Traditional rulers and community elders should discourage harmful cultural practices and report suspected cases of ritual killings.
Education & Awareness Campaigns: Schools, media, and government agencies should actively campaign against superstition and promote financial literacy to help young people seek legal ways to make money.
Regulating Content: Filmmakers and content creators should be encouraged to portray the negative consequences of ritual killings rather than glamorizing them.
Favour Percy-Idubor is The Pointer Edo State Bureau Chief
