Lagos, Nigeria – The Kaaro Oojiire ÌmÍ Oodua Foundation (KOOOF), a group of Yoruba elders, has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in ritual killings and body parts harvesting in the Southwest region of Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the foundation described the spate of gruesome murders as a “shameful episode” that requires urgent and collective action to end.
The group emphasised that the prevalence of such heinous acts poses a threat to the peace, progress, and development of the region.
Adewusi, a representative of KOOOF, highlighted the alarming frequency of these incidents and the diverse profiles of perpetrators, which range from religious leaders, including Muslim imams and Christian pastors, to individuals of varying ages and gender.
He said: “The recurrence of the activities of those involved in human ritual in the Southwest is indeed a shameful episode that should no longer be ignored or swept under the carpet by all stakeholders in Yoruba land.”
Adewusi warned that the continuation of such activities could deter investment and development in the region, as investors would be reluctant to operate in an area plagued by violence and insecurity.
Citing reports, KOOOF pointed out that a significant number of those apprehended for ritual killings are from religious circles, but the foundation cautioned against attributing these acts solely to any particular religious group.
The group also condemned the false narrative linking ritual killings to traditional Yoruba religious practices.
KOOOF clarified: “We are all aware that there is a false narrative about ritual killing in the Southwest. The false narrative is that ritual killing is practised by the traditional Yoruba religious believers. This perception is neither supported by available evidence nor close to the truth.”
The foundation emphasised that authentic Yoruba traditions do not condone ritual killings, adding that the so-called “money rituals” have no basis in Yoruba culture.
KOOOF called on stakeholders, including religious and community leaders, security agencies, and the government, to take decisive action to curb the menace and restore peace in the region.
“We, members of KOOOF, boldly state that there is no money ritual at all. Those engaged in ritual killings for money are not practising the authentic Yoruba tradition,” the statement concluded.
The foundation urged a concerted effort to dispel myths surrounding ritual killings and to promote unity and security in the Southwest.