Ritual killings in Nigeria have become a growing concern, with calls for stricter penalties to deter perpetrators. A strong advocate against the crime, Mr. Sunday Oyinloye, has urged the government to enforce the death penalty for those found guilty of ritual murders.
Oyinloye highlighted how the alarming increase in ritual killings stems from declining family values, laziness, and an unhealthy obsession with quick wealth.
Oyinloye criticized society, schools, religious institutions, and the government for not doing enough to tackle the issue. He stressed the importance of nationwide conversations and awareness campaigns to combat ritual killings.
“As it is now, there is no active discussion about ritual killings, yet we keep hearing new cases daily,” he said.
He urged relevant stakeholders to take a stand against the growing menace, emphasizing that women and young girls are often the primary victims.
Oyinloye advised Nigerian youths to embrace hard work, uphold moral values, and reject the get-rich-quick mentality that fuels ritual killings. He also called on religious institutions to reinforce ethical teachings that promote diligence and integrity.
While acknowledging the efforts of the police and security agencies in tackling ritual killings, Oyinloye noted that the slow pace of the criminal justice system weakens these efforts.
“The duty of law enforcement ends when a suspect is arraigned in court. However, delays in prosecution and loopholes in the legal system often allow criminals to escape justice,” he explained.
To address this, he called for comprehensive legal reforms that ensure swift prosecution and appropriate punishments for offenders.
The rise in ritual killings demands urgent action from the government, law enforcement, religious bodies, and communities. With a combination of stricter laws, moral education, and economic empowerment, Nigeria can combat this deadly practice and protect its citizens.
