By Yesirat Taiwo Ayoola (300lvl Nass Comm)
Kidnapping in Nigeria has taken a frightening new turn. These days, it’s no longer just about abduction—many cases now involve the shocking dismemberment of victims. Young people are increasingly being caught with human body parts, and most of these disturbing crimes are tied to ritual practices. This ugly trend is happening across different parts of the country and reflects a much deeper crisis marked by insecurity, violence, and a failing justice system.
Despite efforts from the government and security agencies, the numbers keep rising. In just six months, over 150 ritual killings were recorded, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. To understand why this is happening, Dr. Salman Adisa, a lecturer in educational psychology and counseling, explains that poverty, joblessness, and frustration play a big role. Even people with jobs face irregular pay, and the cost of living keeps climbing.
Some real-life cases show just how tragic things have become. Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal, a final-year student, was lured and killed by a man she met on Facebook. Her body was found dismembered. Not long after, another woman’s headless body was discovered in Ondo State. Earlier this year, a gospel singer named Timileyin Ajayi was arrested for the murder of a youth corps member, Salome Adaidu. Last year, another final-year student, Awesu Mojisola, was found dead at a dumpsite after meeting a man through a friend.
Dr. Adisa warns that social media, especially Facebook, is now being used by predators to find victims. Many of these victims don’t even know their attackers, they just meet online and think they’ve made a friend. This shows why awareness and safety education are urgently needed, so young people can protect themselves from falling into these traps.
The damage doesn’t end with the victims. Their families are left heartbroken, living with trauma and sometimes facing stigma. Dr. Adisa says some even die from the emotional pain. He also criticizes the justice system, which is often slow or unfair. “Some people have been in prison for over ten years and are now asking for pardon, while the families they hurt are still in pain,” he says. To stop this cycle, he calls for stronger laws, better public awareness, and real efforts to tackle poverty and false beliefs about money rituals.
0 Comments