In a disturbing development, Yoruba elders have expressed alarm over the rising cases of ritual killings and body parts harvesting in the South West.
The Kaaro Oojiire Ìmí Oòduà Foundation (KOOOF), a group representing Yoruba elders, released a statement condemning the gruesome acts and calling for urgent action.
Gbenga Adewusi, Vice President of the foundation, described the trend as “a shameful episode that should no longer be ignored or swept under the carpet by all stakeholders in Yoruba land.”
Adewusi lamented the frequency of these crimes, stating, “The recurrence of the activities of those involved in human rituals in the South West is alarming.
“What makes the news even more troubling is the variety of people involved—from Muslim imams to Christian pastors, from teenagers to adults, both male and female.”
He warned that if left unchecked, these heinous acts could jeopardise the peace, progress, and development of the region.
“No investor wants to invest in an area where citizens are regularly and gruesomely murdered to harvest their body parts,” Adewusi said.
The Yoruba elders also debunked myths linking these practices to traditional Yoruba religion.
They insisted that authentic Yoruba traditions do not condone or support ritual killings for money.
Adewusi emphasised, “We boldly state that there is no such thing as money ritual.
“Those engaged in ritual killings are not practising the authentic Yoruba tradition.”
This crisis has cast a shadow over the region, prompting calls for more robust law enforcement and community vigilance.
Stakeholders have been urged to collaborate in addressing the root causes of these crimes, including poverty, ignorance, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
The rising cases of ritual killings have also reignited debates about the role of religious leaders and traditional institutions in curbing harmful practices.
