There have been growing concerns about the obnoxious increasing trend of ritual killings across Nigeria.

The quest for quick wealth, poverty, unemployment, and lack of effective legislation drive the heightened situation of ritual killings.

There have also been sustained calls for stronger laws against ritual killings to effectively stem the tide of the menace.

There have also been appeals for plausible economic empowerment programmes and public awareness campaigns to deal with the dastardly phenomenon.

Analysts have posited that the government, civil society, and individuals must work together to address the underlying factors and put an end to these heinous crimes.

In Katsina, the residents urged the government to provide a death sentence against ritualists and those found selling or eating human parts.

The residents said the call has become imperative in view of the increasing cases of ritual killings, particularly in some parts of the country.

Ayuba Inusa, a resident, said it was the only way to prevent the people from joining the ritual and cult groups.

He said, “Since the perpetrators have no mercy, they deserve to be treated with no mercy to serve as a deterrent to those willing to join the groups.”

Kabir Tukur advised the people against the desire to accumulate worldly materials using inhumane and ugly methods.

He said, “That is because most of the victims were those who want to accumulate material things easily and anyhow.”

Mr Tukur also urged girls and women to be wary of friendship in social media, saying, “Because most of the victims were easily caught up through that platform.”

Grace Jacob urged the government to provide stiffer punishments against perpetrators of those barbaric acts.

The police said it recorded zero ritual killings in Kaduna.

The command’s spokesman, Mansir Hassan, said, “This remarkable achievement is a testament to the state’s unwavering commitment to combating this heinous crime.”

“The command’s proactive approach to preventing ritual killings has included increased patrols, intelligence gathering, and community engagement,” Mr Hassan said.

In Kano, some experts have called on community leaders to collaborate in efforts to combat ritual killings, urging action to address the underlying factors driving the crime.

Musa Abubakar, a lecturer at the Kano State Polytechnic, attributed the increasing frequency of ritual killings to economic hardship and widespread poverty.

According to Mr Abubakar, these challenges have driven many, especially young people, to seek alternative, albeit criminal, means of wealth acquisition.

He said the high unemployment rate has increased desperation, with some believing that ritual sacrifices may offer a shortcut to financial success.

A public affairs commentator, Isa Muhammad, said community policing initiatives should be expanded to encourage local participation in crime detection and reporting.

Abdulrazak Abdullahi, a lawyer, said, “The increasing prevalence of ritual killings suggests a dangerous shift in societal values, with people willing to engage in barbaric acts for personal gains.”

He urged law enforcement agencies to act proactively rather than only responding after crimes have been committed.

An activist, Amina Ali, also called for intensifying public awareness campaigns and enacting stricter laws to create a safer and more secure society.

She stated that the high unemployment had fueled desperation, with some resorting to ritual sacrifices as a shortcut to wealth.

Ms Ali warned, “If the growing moral decay is not addressed, it could lead to increased criminal activities, including human trafficking, organ harvesting, and cult-related violence, further destabilising the nation.”

(NAN)