Unemployment, Poverty Fuel Ritual Killings in Nigeria; Residents Demand Death Penalty

Amid rising concerns over ritual killings in Nigeria, residents and analysts have called for urgent measures, including the death penalty, stronger laws, and economic empowerment programs.  

The increase in ritual killings is linked to poverty, unemployment, and desperation for quick wealth. Experts say weak laws and moral decline have worsened the situation, leading to demands for stricter punishments and awareness campaigns.

In Katsina State, residents have urged the government to impose the death penalty on ritual killers and those involved in selling or consuming human parts.

A resident, Ayuba Inusa, said only capital punishment would deter others.

“Since the perpetrators have no mercy, they deserve to be treated with no mercy,” Inusa said.

He also called on traditional and religious leaders to intensify awareness campaigns.

Malam Kabir Tukur condemned the pursuit of wealth through inhumane methods.

“Most of the victims are those who want to accumulate material things easily and anyhow,” Tukur said.

He urged parents to monitor their children and warned girls and women to be cautious of friendships formed on social media.

Grace Jacob also advised young women against meeting strangers online and called for harsher punishments for ritualists.

In Kaduna State, the police reported zero cases of ritual killings in the last three years, attributing this to security measures.

Police spokesman DSP Mansir Hassan said increased patrols, intelligence gathering, and community engagement helped prevent such crimes.

He emphasized addressing youth motivations, stopping drug abuse, and intensifying public awareness.

“Religious leaders have a role in educating the public about the importance of upholding human life,” he added.

Hassan also called for job creation programs and counseling services to tackle anxiety and mental health issues among youths.

In Kano State, experts and community leaders have urged a collective effort to combat ritual killings.

Musa Abubakar, a lecturer at Kano State Polytechnic, linked the rise in ritual killings to economic hardship and poverty.

“These challenges have driven many, especially young people, to seek alternative, albeit criminal, means of wealth acquisition,” Abubakar said.

He warned that if moral decay is not addressed, it could lead to crimes like human trafficking, organ harvesting, and cult-related violence.

A public affairs commentator, Isa Muhammad, stressed the need for security agencies to work with community leaders.

“Community policing should be expanded to encourage local participation in crime detection and reporting,” he said.

Abdulrazak Abdullahi, a lawyer, said the growing incidents of ritual killings reflect a dangerous shift in societal values.

“The increasing prevalence of ritual killings suggests a willingness to engage in barbaric acts for personal gain,” Abdullahi said.

He urged law enforcement to act proactively rather than waiting until crimes occur.

Abubakar called for stronger cooperation between the police, judiciary, intelligence agencies, and community leaders to dismantle criminal networks.

“The government should strengthen legal frameworks, improve law enforcement, and ensure swift prosecution of offenders,” he added.

Hajiya Amina Ali, an activist, called for intensified public awareness campaigns and stricter laws.

“The high unemployment rate has fueled desperation, with some resorting to ritual sacrifices as a shortcut to wealth,” Ali said.

She warned that if moral decline is not tackled, it could lead to more organized crimes like human trafficking and organ harvesting.

To address ritual killings, analysts stress the need to tackle economic hardship, unemployment, and moral decline. They also emphasize collaboration between security agencies, religious institutions, and community leaders.

Residents continue to push for stricter laws, with many insisting that only capital punishment will deter ritual killers.

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