A suspected ritualist identified as Bobby was apprehended on Wednesday evening for allegedly killing a six-year-old boy in the Aritalin area of Ovom community in Yenagoa local government area of Bayelsa State.
The suspect, who hails from the same Ovom community was reportedly caught with the mutilated remains of the boy while attempting to flee to an unknown location.
According to eyewitnesses, Bobby was intercepted around 8 pm by vigilant residents who raised an alarm after noticing his suspicious movements.
The discovery of the boy’s mutilated body caused anger and tension in the Hausa community, and some people tried to attack the suspect.
However, elders of the community quickly intervened and stopped the mob and subsequently handed the suspect over to the police.
A member of the deceased family said that despite the temptation to resort to violence, the peace-loving Muslim community were demanding for justice. “The deceased boy had visited Yenagoa to celebrate Salah, “but his life was cut short”, he said.
Chairperson of the Federation of Muslims Women Association, (FOMWAN) in Bayelsa, Hajia Aisha Abeki, expressed sympathy over the incident, expressing the sadness of women over the incident.
“FOMWAN condemns the action and call on the Bayelsa State Police Command to ensure that justice is done”, Abeki said.
Similarly, President of the National Association of Women Against Gender Based Violence (AWAGBV), Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy-Harry condemned the act and called on relevant agencies to ensure justice in the case.
Goddy-Harry confirmed, that in collaboration with the Chairperson of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Dr. Boma Tonye Miebai, and FOMWAN in Bayelsa State, they were assured by the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Francis Idu, to properly handle the matter.
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