Amid growing concerns over the alarming rise in ritual killings across Nigeria, citizens and experts have called for stiffer penalties, including the death sentence, to curb the heinous crime. Many attribute the trend to desperation for quick wealth, poverty, unemployment, and weak legislation.
Residents of Katsina State have urged the government to impose the death penalty on those involved in ritual killings, as well as individuals found selling or consuming human parts.
Ayuba Inusa, a resident, insisted that only severe punishment could deter others from joining cults and ritual gangs. He stressed the need for traditional and religious leaders to intensify advocacy against the crime.
Malam Kabir Tukur advised Nigerians to shun the pursuit of material wealth through criminal means, warning that many victims of ritual killings are those seeking easy riches.
He urged parents to monitor their children closely and guide them against negative influences, particularly on social media, where many unsuspecting victims are lured.
In Kaduna State, the Police Command reported that no ritual killings had been recorded in the past three years. Police spokesperson DSP Mansir Hassan credited this to increased patrols, intelligence gathering, and public awareness campaigns.
He emphasized that tackling drug abuse, engaging youths in productive activities, and strengthening community policing were crucial in preventing ritual-related crimes.
Similarly, in Kano State, experts have called for a united front to tackle the menace. Musa Abubakar, a lecturer at Kano State Polytechnic, linked the rise in ritual killings to economic hardship and unemployment, which have driven many, especially youths, into criminality. He warned that if left unchecked, this moral decline could fuel human trafficking, organ harvesting, and cult-related violence.
Public affairs analyst Isa Muhammad underscored the importance of collaboration between security agencies and local communities. He recommended expanding community policing initiatives and involving vigilance groups in monitoring suspicious activities.
Legal expert Abdulrazak Abdullahi expressed concern over the growing disregard for human life. He urged law enforcement agencies to take proactive measures rather than reacting only after crimes occur.
Activist Hajiya Amina Ali also called for stricter laws and public awareness campaigns to combat the crime, warning that continued moral decay could worsen national insecurity.
With ritual killings becoming a pressing concern, many Nigerians insist that only a combination of stricter laws, economic empowerment programs, and stronger moral values can effectively address the crisis.
NAN
