Time was in Nigeria when becoming a medical doctor, engineer, accountant, lawyer and the rest was a big deal among the youth. Those days, young people didn’t mind sitting for multiple JAMB exams just to secure university admission and study a professional course. That time, even parents were more interested in having a doctor son or a lawyer daughter; it was a thing of pride.
Sadly, today, the table seem to have turned as all that has changed. Unlike days when young people clamoured for professional careers that would earn them good paying jobs, the quest for fame and fortune has become the order of the day. As a matter of fact, record now has it that even those who had acquired professional certificates from both Nigerian and foreign universities have abandoned them to pursue a career in showbiz- Yahoo- Yahoo,, Ritual Killing,, name them.
I’m fact, with the level of buzz in the industry, it seems the trend is likely to last for a longer time.
Interestingly, for those in doubt of how far the trend has gone, the mammoth crowd of young adults that besiege audition centre, the number of young persons arrested for ritual killings and fraudulent hubs are indeed, an eye opener to the realities we have on our hands.
Only recently, a disturbing video surfaced sent shockwaves across, depicting a horrifying scene involving three young boys and a dismembered body of a young lady.
The viral footage captured the moment the trio disembarked from an unregistered vehicle and proceeded to carry out a chilling ritual on the lifeless body before abruptly fleeing the scene.
Bewildered bystanders initially mistook the shocking incident for a mere prank, unaware of the gravity of the situation unfolding before their eyes.
Also, in a gripping turn of events, a Magistrate’s Court in the serene town of Ado-Ekiti has issued an order to remand three individuals in a case involving the abduction and tragic murder of an 82-year-old man, Michael Obasuyi.
The defendants, Sunday Obasuyi (42), Akinniyi Ojo (51), and Bobade Sunday (51), hailing from the tranquil community of Agbado-Ekiti in Gbonyin Local Council of Ekiti State, are currently facing a slew of serious charges, including conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder. The gravity of these accusations has sent shockwaves across the country.
According to the astute Police prosecutor, Akinwale Oriyomi, an intricate web of malevolence unfolded as the accused individuals allegedly orchestrated a diabolical scheme that culminated in the abduction of Michael Obasuyi. The heart-wrenching incident took place on a fateful morning, precisely on February 1st, around 11:00 am in Agbado-Ekiti.
The community at large, reeling from the heinous nature of the crime, eagerly awaits further developments in this gripping case. However, as justice hangs in the balance, the public remains vigilant, yearning for the swift dispensation of justice for the late Michael Obasuyi and his grieving family.
Sadly, recent headlines have been dominated by the alarming surge in ritual-related killings, particularly among the younger generation. These gruesome acts not only signify a profound erosion of morals, norms, and values but also shed light on the emergence of ritualism as a significant social issue in Nigeria. The desire for wealth and an extravagant lifestyle, often fueled by the portrayal of opulence on social media platforms, has contributed to this disturbing trend.
It is disheartening to witness individuals as young as 17 contemplating money rituals, raising pertinent questions about the various factors responsible for this dire situation. Are the government, film producers, social media platforms like Instagram, parental negligence, Nigerian celebrities, children themselves, schools, security agencies, peer pressure, societal priorities, or cultural influences to blame?
The truth is that the youth are being entangled in the web of blood rituals for several reasons. Greed and the undue influence exerted by their peers, as well as personal choices, have led them down this treacherous path.
Considering Nigeria’s estimated population of 210 million, with one of the highest proportions of young people in Africa, it becomes evident that the nation is grappling with a significant youth population. If this menace is not swiftly addressed, it poses a severe threat to the nation’s values and morals, potentially leading to their complete collapse. Urgent and comprehensive measures must be taken to nip this problem in the bud and safeguard the future of the country.
Psychologist, experts warn of rising ritual killings
Renowned psychologist, Mr. Shehu Ahmed Liman, has expressed deep concern over the escalating cases of ritual killings in the country, describing it as a ticking time bomb. Liman emphasised that as societies evolve, values also transform to adapt to the changing world. Unfortunately, he said this has led to a surge in moral decadence and laxity within contemporary societies.
Liman stressed the urgent need for a widespread sensitization campaign, highlighting the dynamic nature of society.
He emphasised that families, as the fundamental building blocks of society, must take responsibility for restructuring their value systems.
The psychologist noted that the younger generation learns from their elders, and for positive change to occur, families must fulfill their role as primary agents of socialization.
Addressing the role of the government, Liman urged those in leadership positions to recognize their responsibility as role models for the youth.
“They have to realize that the future of tomorrow depends on the foundations laid today and youths cannot become trusted leaders if they cannot follow the process in trust,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of laying strong foundations today for a brighter future tomorrow, underscoring the significance of trust in nurturing trusted leaders.
“This can bring about the institution of a strong and viable moral base founded on principles that work. But, the fact is the crazy way millions of Nigerian youths idolise get-rich-quick celebrities has fuelled crimes occasioned by bad governance which have imperilled Nigeria’s youths, exposing them to crime,” he said.
In a separate interview, the Nigerian coordinator of the African Students Union Parliament (ASUP), Comrade James Uneze, echoed Liman’s sentiments.
Uneze called on Nigerian youth to engage in meaningful endeavors to earn a living, discouraging involvement in illicit activities such as internet fraud, commonly known as “yahoo yahoo.”
According to him, “You can be rich without being involved in criminal activities. The youths are the future of this country, it is sad that they now take solace in criminal activities just to make money under the guise of joblessness.
“The sad truth is, among the joblessness, there are millions of jobs in Nigeria. The issue of passing through shortcuts to success is becoming the order of the day in Nigeria and it is sad.”
Uneze also highlighted the detrimental impact of drug abuse on the rise of such practices, which he believed contributed to laziness among the youth. Urging immediate action to address this distressing trend, Uneze cautioned that failure to do so would lead society to a critical juncture.
Expressing his dismay, an author and public affairs analyst, Felix Ade-Frank, decried the pandemic of internet fraud and “yahoo-yahoo plus.”
He expressed heartbreak over the escalating number of fraudsters and ritualistic activities in Nigeria, which have tarnished the nation’s reputation globally.
Ade-Frank emphasised the need to trace the problem back to its roots, identifying parents and the government as the foundational causes.
He said, “They’re only two foundational problems to the current short supply of moral crises we face in this nation, namely; the parent and the government.
“Any criminal or law-abiding citizen was once a beloved newly born to a man and woman. This baby, however, has a place of birth referred to as a country. In this case Nigeria.
“To raise a morally equipped child, he needs the love and security of family and confidence of the government.”
Ade-Frank said nations that provide these two have the best set of law-abiding citizens.
“And countries who lack both are federations of chaos and mess. And the state who has at least one is standing on one leg; therefore, can’t be balanced. It is either suffering morally or economically.
“Most Yahoo suspects you and I see being paraded on televisions and social media platforms are victims of either the government, parent, or both. There has to be an unplugged link.”
Ade-Frank lamented the reckless behavior of many parents who engage in unprotected sex and abandon children due to poverty, ignorance, or lack of self-discipline. This, in turn, results in neglected children who lack access to education and proper upbringing. He emphasised that a child’s moral development, rooted in religious teachings or virtuous doctrines, is vital for nurturing responsible individuals.
The author argued that mere arrests and clampdowns on criminals would not solve the problem; instead, they would become more sophisticated and resilient. He criticized the government for its inadequate leadership, noting that many politicians prioritize personal gains over the welfare of the nation. Ade-Frank attributed the rise in fraudulent practices, kidnapping, and Yahoo-plus rituals to the shadows cast by poor parenting and governance.
Concluding his remarks, Ade-Frank called for a collective effort to discourage fraud and crime, reminding individuals that stealing from others ultimately deprives oneself and hinders future growth. He emphasized that the consequences of such actions would inevitably catch up with perpetrators, guided by the economic principle of increasing returns.
Couple arrested in Ogun State for gruesome ritual killing
The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended a husband and wife duo, Taiwo Olutufese Ajalorun and Salawa Oyenusi Ajalorun, in connection with the brutal murder and dismemberment of a 26-year-old woman in the Ijebu Ode area of the state. Shockingly, the motive behind the heinous act was believed to be for ritualistic purposes.
Reports indicate that the couple, aided by six other individuals identified as Lukman Oladele, Kayode Ibrahim, Bello Akeem, Alebiosu Adebayo, Fatai Rasheed, and Fatai Jimoh, conspired to carry out the gruesome crime. They allegedly mutilated the victim, Oyindamola Adeyemi, and proceeded to sell her body parts separately to eager buyers involved in money-making rituals.
According to information gathered, the perpetrators dismembered the deceased’s head, legs, both hands and various other body parts. Shockingly, the head was reportedly sold for N30,000, while the heart fetched N50,000 in the macabre trade. The police were able to apprehend the suspects, bringing them to justice for their horrifying actions.
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