OWERRI, Nigeria – A gruesome murder has shaken the community of Umuediabali, Ahiazu Mbaise in Imo State, as a woman, Eucharia Chidi Obasi, was brutally killed in what appears to be a ritualistic act.
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches, AfAW, has condemned the heinous killing of Obasi, aged 55, who was allegedly murdered by Emeka, a local pastor suspected to be a ritualist.
In the early hours of September 11, 2024, Emeka reportedly broke into Obasi’s home, assaulted her, and severed various body parts, including her breasts and private organs.
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According to AfAW, the suspect, after allegedly carrying out the ritualistic killing, attempted to attack another woman.
However, the potential victim raised an alarm, drawing the attention of a crowd who apprehended the suspect.
In a twist that underscores a disturbing trend of extrajudicial justice, the mob reportedly beat Emeka to death.
AfAW has denounced both the brutal murder of Obasi and the subsequent mob action that led to Emeka’s death, calling for due process in cases of suspected ritual killings.
“Perpetrators of ritual attacks and murder should be handed over to the police, investigated, and charged in court,” the organisation stated in an emailed statement to The Trent on Friday, November 8, 2024, emphasising that such suspects should be held accountable according to the law, rather than through ‘jungle justice.’
This tragic incident highlights the deep-seated belief in human sacrifice as a pathway to wealth and success—an ideology that AfAW has labelled as “baseless nonsense.”
According to local sources, Emeka, who served as a pastor, confessed to committing the murder in an attempt to perform a ritual that would purportedly increase his congregation and grow his church.
However, there is no scientific or rational basis to the belief that human sacrifice yields wealth or power.
Nigeria has witnessed a rise in ritualistic killings and attacks in recent years, some tied to internet fraud schemes known as ‘Yahoo Plus,’ where ritual practices are allegedly used to bring financial success.
The AfAW has called for urgent cultural and moral rehabilitation, stressing that the widespread belief in ritual wealth has become a moral crisis for the nation.
Leo Igwe, Director of the AfAW, urged Nigerians to abandon such superstitious beliefs.
“Ritual money or wealth is a form of superstition and has no basis in reason, science, or reality,” he stated, adding that there is no evidence to support the idea that killing people or using body parts can bring financial gain or prosperity.
AfAW appeals to the Nigerian public to embrace critical thinking and scientific reasoning, instead of resorting to superstition and violent, superstition-driven crimes.
This tragic event has sparked national concern and highlighted the need for intensified awareness and education campaigns to address and dismantle beliefs that fuel ritual killings, urging Nigerians to step away from such practices and to seek progress through lawful and rational means.
