The increasing cases of ritual killings, particularly targeting young girls in Nigeria, have become a national concern. To effectively combat this menace, traditional rulers across the country must take decisive action, following the exemplary leadership of the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
In a commendable move, the Emir has directed Imams across Kwara State to use their Friday sermons to preach against ritual killings. This bold step has been lauded by the Publisher of Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable, Mr. Sunday Oyinloye, who emphasized the critical role of traditional rulers and religious leaders in addressing the issue.
Mr. Oyinloye, in a press release, stressed that ritual killings have tarnished Nigeria’s image, and the silence of community leaders can no longer be tolerated. He hailed the Emir of Ilorin as the first traditional ruler in Nigeria to issue a directive against ritual killings and called on other royal fathers to follow suit.
“The Emir of Ilorin has written his name in gold for not only speaking boldly against ritual killings but also instructing Islamic clerics in the state to raise awareness through their sermons. If other traditional rulers in the country adopt this approach, the evil of ritual killings will be eradicated,” Oyinloye stated.
Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable initiated its campaign against the ritual killing of girls in January 2022. However, Oyinloye lamented that the movement had largely been a solo effort. He expressed optimism that the Emir’s directive would encourage more stakeholders to join the fight for the protection of young Nigerian girls, who remain the primary victims of ritual killings.
Oyinloye further urged religious leaders and influential figures in the country to speak out against these heinous crimes, insisting that Nigerian girls should not be sacrificed for the selfish desires of individuals seeking wealth through illegitimate means.
Addressing Nigerian youth, he counseled against the temptation of pursuing money at all costs and encouraged them to embrace hard work and innovative business ideas. “It is unfortunate that some of our girls are being killed, and their body parts sold at ridiculous prices. It is both insane and devilish to take another person’s life for money that may never even come,” he said.
“Why should anyone resort to killing others for financial gain when there are numerous business opportunities available? Even in the absence of opportunities, taking another person’s life is unjustifiable. I urge our youth to abandon this evil practice and commit to diligence and honesty. No one should bring sorrow to any family simply to acquire wealth.”
To effectively tackle the problem of ritual killings, Oyinloye proposed the death penalty for any individual found guilty of the crime, with no option for jail terms. According to him, this would serve as a strong deterrent to those contemplating such acts.
He also commended the Kwara State Police Command for swiftly apprehending the killer of Miss Yetunde Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin. Oyinloye urged law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and ensure that justice is served in all cases of ritual killings.
In conclusion, the collective efforts of traditional rulers, religious leaders, law enforcement agencies, and the media are crucial in ending ritual killings in Nigeria. The Emir of Ilorin’s directive sets a precedent that should be adopted nationwide to safeguard the lives of innocent girls and restore the nation’s moral fabric.
