In recent months, the southwest region of Nigeria has witnessed an alarming series of ritual killings; and skull mining raising concerns about security and the psychological toll on its younger generation.
Two months ago, Punch Newspaper reported a chilling confession from a yet-to-be-identified man in Ibadan, Oyo State, who admitted to killing over 70 women for ritual purposes.
This disclosure shocked the city and pointed out the growing issue of ritual-related crimes in the region.
More recently, the Ogun State Police Command made a series of arrests linked to ritual killings. On January 15, operatives apprehended Kehinde Yemitan, a suspected murderer and ritualist, in the Ilogbo Ota community.
Kehinde’s twin brother, Taiwo Yemitan, had previously been arrested on December 22 alongside an accomplice, Kazeem, for the gruesome murder and dismemberment of a commercial sex worker identified as Darasimi.
In a related case, Taiwo Yemitan was found in possession of human body parts, including a human head, linked to the same victim, Darasimi.
The heinous crimes have left residents of Ogun State in shock and fear.
Adding to the list of disturbing incidents, the Ogun State Police Command also arrested another suspected ritualist, Monday Ogunniyi, in the Oja Odan area.
Ogunniyi was accused of abducting a woman named Regina Oladeyo, following a complaint filed by a relative, Oladeyo Idowu.
These unsettling cases are all emerging from the southwest, a region often celebrated for its rich culture and strong educational heritage.
The surge in ritual killings has sparked outrage among residents and calls for urgent action from both community leaders and law enforcement.
Public outcry has also spilled onto social media platforms. A Twitter user, @chiditweets042, has been consistently raising awareness about the underreported cases of killings in the region.
Similarly, in a viral thread on X, user @Bolazeal questioned the motivation behind the growing prevalence of ritual killings in the southwest and the devastating effects on youth and societal values.
“What’s Fueling Ritual Killings in Yorubaland? In pre-colonial times, rituals were part of Yoruba spirituality. Human sacrifices were rare but sometimes necessary to appease deities during crises. These were community decisions, not individual quests.
“However, the practice has devolved into selfish acts of desperation, driven by greed and the illusion of quick wealth. Ritual killings have become a stain on the rich cultural fabric of Yorubaland. “The rat that has no shame dances in the daylight, unaware of the hawk watching.”
“The increasing reports of ritual killings in Yorubaland are a reflection of societal decay. Stories of body parts being found in forests, rivers, or ritual dens are horrifying reminders of how widespread the issue has become.”
“The involvement of seemingly educated individuals in these practices underscores the depth of the problem. “If the snake in the house is not killed, the one outside will think it can come in.” We must tackle this menace from every angle, economically, culturally, and politically.
“Modern Babalawo are all over the internet telling people about money rituals. The gullible are falling for it and murdering to satisfy these fake spiritualists.
“The blending of traditional Yoruba beliefs with Christianity and Islam has created a paradox. Yoruba people, while deeply spiritual, sometimes walk a thin line between religion and fetish practices.
“It’s not uncommon to find those who profess Christianity or Islam still consulting Babalawo, alfa, or spiritualists in secret. An average Yoruba man is more loyal to his culture than to his religion. This duality fuels hypocrisy and keeps the cycle alive.
“We are also a very superstitious society. We believe in flying witches, village people, curses, and marine spirits. People with this mindset also think they can make money by sacrificing their fellow humans.”
He further blamed the film-producing industry, which always portrays ritual killings as one of the fastest ways to get riches and wealth, while noting cult groups and internet fraudsters as major instigators and contributors of the evil.
“Our media, especially Yoruba films, doesn’t help. Constant portrayals of babaláwo, witches, and ritualists reinforce the idea that rituals are powerful tools for success. These stories, instead of cautioning against evil, sometimes inspire the gullible.
Another X user from the region, @BolanleA4, who has faced consistent attacks from locals for speaking out against wrongdoing, urged leaders to step up and tackle the menace
“When will Yoruba leaders in yoruba accept the fact that there is a skull mining problem in yoruba land?,” she wrote.
Reacting to the tweet, @Eniolalq wrote, “They are aware, they knew all these while, many times they also fall victim. What I do not understand is their silence towards it.”
@Whiskynnagin tweeted, “They are silent cos the traditional Religion of Yòrubas is Voodooism. Voodooism can’t be practiced without human & animals ritual sacrifices. There are 3 tribes that practices Voodooism, Flanis, Yòrubas & Binis.”
“Is that what you tell yourself to make u happy? Yorubaland is still the safest in Nigeria take it or leave it,” @DavidsTife wrote.
@Stochulor tweeted, “I was on a bus from Ajah and another bus driver was hailing the other bus driver and discussing in code how he would not play this year, that it is in full swing in Ijebu and pays very well. Little boys are asking for it and are ready to pay. That he should not dull.”
The spike in ritual killings has led to renewed calls for stricter enforcement of the law, public enlightenment campaigns, and a collective effort to address the root causes of these heinous crimes.
Concerned citizens, well-meaning Yorubas, and security experts have continuosly stressed the need to halt this disturbing trend to safeguard the region’s future.
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