In pre-colonial times, rituals were part of Yoruba spirituality. Human sacrifices were rare but sometimes necessary to appease deities during crises. These were community decisions, not individual quests.
However, the practice has devolved into selfish acts of desperation, driven by greed and the illusion of quick wealth.
Ritual killings have become a stain on the rich cultural fabric of Yorubaland. “The rat that has no shame dances in the daylight, unaware of the hawk watching.”
The increasing reports of ritual killings in Yorubaland are a reflection of societal decay. Stories of body parts being found in forests, rivers, or ritual dens are horrifying reminders of how widespread the issue has become.
The involvement of seemingly educated individuals in these practices underscores the depth of the problem. “If the snake in the house is not killed, the one outside will think it can come in.” We must tackle this menace from every angle, economically, culturally, and politically.
Modern Babalawo are all over the internet telling people about money rituals. The gullible are falling for it and murdering to satisfy these fake spiritualists.
The blending of traditional Yoruba beliefs with Christianity and Islam has created a paradox. Yoruba people, while deeply spiritual, sometimes walk a thin line between religion and fetish practices.
It’s not uncommon to find those who profess Christianity or Islam still consulting Babalawo, alfa, or spiritualists in secret. An average Yoruba man is more loyal to his culture than to his religion. This duality fuels hypocrisy and keeps the cycle alive.
We are also a very superstitious society. We believe in flying witches, village people, curses, and marine spirits. People with this mindset also think they can make money by sacrificing their fellow humans.
Our media, especially Yoruba films, doesn’t help. Constant portrayals of babaláwo, witches, and ritualists reinforce the idea that rituals are powerful tools for success. These stories, instead of cautioning against evil, sometimes inspire the gullible.
Cult groups and internet fraudsters (Yahoo Yahoo) are among the biggest contributors to this menace. Yahoo Plus boys go beyond scamming, they turn to blood rituals for “spiritual backup” or to increase their influence over victims.
Cultists demand human sacrifices for initiation, turning young, impressionable minds into willing participants in evil.
In the politics, blood rituals are a silent but deadly currency. Aspiring politicians often seek spiritual fortification or acceptance into powerful cliques.
Some are required to kill as part of their initiation into secret societies or to seal deals with shadowy groups controlling political systems.
This desperation for power isn’t limited to politics. Even in shady businesses, ritual killings are used as leverage. People enter into sinister pacts, knowing that betrayal could cost them their lives. These rituals create a web of fear and silence, ensuring loyalty and secrecy.
Sudden Wealth Syndrome. “When wealth comes suddenly, questions will follow.” The rise of individuals flaunting unexplained wealth perpetuates the belief that money can be acquired through rituals. Their influence pushes the gullible and desperate into similar acts of bloodshed.
Poverty and illiteracy create the perfect storm for ritual killings to thrive. A hungry man will believe anything. Many victims and perpetrators alike are trapped by ignorance and desperation.
Not all ritual killings are spiritual. Serial killers and organ harvesters prey on vulnerable people too, often under the guise of ritual killings. The line between superstition and organized crime blurs, leaving communities in fear.
Ritual killings are a reflection of deeper societal problems, poverty, ignorance, greed, and hypocrisy. It’s time we look inward and address the rot.
“If a fire starts in your neighbor’s hut and you do nothing, it will eventually reach yours.” Ritual murder is not only a Yoruba problem, it’s a Nigeria problem. Everyone has a role to play in ending this menace, and the time to act is now. Stay safe, no one can be trusted.
