Segun Atanda/
A 23-year-old man has been arrested in Ekiti State for allegedly attempting to use his 6-year-old nephew in a money ritual.
The suspect, whose identity has been withheld pending further investigation, was apprehended by local authorities following a tip-off from vigilant community members.
According to eyewitness reports, the suspect lured his young nephew away from their family home under the pretense of buying him a treat. Suspicion arose when neighbors noticed the child’s prolonged absence and the uncle’s evasive responses to inquiries about the boy’s whereabouts.
Alarmed by the inconsistencies, concerned residents alerted the local vigilante group, who promptly initiated a search.
The search led them to a secluded area on the outskirts of the community, where they discovered the suspect in the midst of a ritualistic setup, with the terrified child by his side.
Various fetish items, including candles, incense, and a crudely drawn circle on the ground, were found at the scene. The suspect was immediately detained and handed over to the police for further investigation.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to planning the ritual in hopes of gaining wealth and prosperity. He claimed to have been influenced by a local spiritualist who promised him riches in exchange for the life of an innocent child.
The police have since launched a manhunt for the said spiritualist and are working to uncover any networks associated with such nefarious activities.
In recent years, there have been multiple reports of individuals, often close family members, attempting to sacrifice loved ones in misguided quests for wealth.
In response to these challenges, the Ekiti State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to eradicating ritual killings and related crimes.
The Commissioner of Police urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly.
He also emphasised the importance of community policing and collaboration between law enforcement and local communities to combat such heinous acts effectively.
As the investigation into this recent incident continues, the rescued child has been reunited with his family and is receiving counseling to address the trauma experienced.
Authorities are also exploring avenues to provide support and education to communities about the dangers of succumbing to superstitious beliefs and the importance of safeguarding the rights and lives of all individuals, especially vulnerable children.
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