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ABUJA – Publisher of Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable, Sunday Oyinloye, has announced the expansion of his nationwide campaign against ritual killings, with renewed emphasis on mobilising young people and strengthening partnerships with critical stakeholders to stem the growing menace.
Oyinloye, who disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, said the campaign, which began in January 2022, is entering a new phase that will focus on closer collaboration with media organisations, civil society groups, educational institutions, religious bodies, traditional institutions and other stakeholders committed to protecting human life and restoring societal values.
He said the expanded initiative is designed to deepen public awareness and encourage collective action against ritual killings, particularly the killing of girls for money rituals, which has continued to generate widespread concern across the country.
Reflecting on the campaign’s achievements over the past four years, Oyinloye noted that he produced an anti-ritual killing jingle in English, which was later translated into Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo to ensure wider reach and accessibility.
According to him, the jingle has been widely circulated on social media and aired by several radio stations across Nigeria.
He added that the campaign has also produced about 80 advocacy video clips, while he has granted numerous media interviews and issued several public statements aimed at drawing attention to the dangers of ritual killings and the urgent need for collective action.
“The next phase of the campaign would place greater emphasis on youth engagement through public lectures, advocacy programmes and digital media campaigns designed to discourage the growing obsession with quick wealth and promote the virtues of hard work, integrity, entrepreneurship and respect for human life,” he said.
Describing ritual killings as a national emergency, Oyinloye urged governments at all levels, security agencies and citizens to sustain efforts aimed at reversing the disturbing trend.
“Ritual killings have become a national emergency that demands sustained attention from government, security agencies and every segment of society. I urge law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to investigate cases thoroughly, arrest perpetrators and ensure that those found guilty are prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he stated.
He also called on government to address youth unemployment by creating more economic opportunities, arguing that unemployment and the desperation for quick wealth have contributed to the rising incidence of ritual-related crimes.
“Government should also address youth unemployment and create more economic opportunities as part of efforts to tackle some of the underlying factors contributing to the crime,” he said.
The publisher further appealed to parents and guardians to reinforce moral values at home, while urging religious and traditional leaders to take stronger positions against ritual killings and the pursuit of illicit wealth.
“I also want to appeal to parents and guardians to instill sound moral values in their children. In addition, religious and traditional leaders should begin to speak out strongly against ritual killings and the pursuit of illicit wealth.
“I believe that changing societal attitudes towards wealth and success is essential to reversing the disturbing trend,” he added.
As part of the expanded advocacy, Oyinloye disclosed that he is finalising a comprehensive book on ritual killings in Nigeria, which examines the root causes of the crime, its impact on victims, families and communities, as well as the damage it has done to Nigeria’s international image.
He said the publication would also explore how reports of ritual killings shape global perceptions of Nigeria and Nigerians while offering practical recommendations for addressing the challenge.
Expressing optimism about the future of the campaign, Oyinloye said its success would depend on broader public participation and strategic partnerships involving government, the media, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, educational institutions and individual citizens.
“No nation can make meaningful progress when innocent lives are sacrificed in the pursuit of wealth. We must work together to restore the dignity of human life and build a society where success is earned through honesty, hard work and integrity.
“This campaign belongs to every Nigerian, and together we can bring an end to the senseless killing of girls for money rituals,” he said.
Ritual killings have remained a recurring security and social concern in Nigeria, with several reported cases in recent years involving the murder of young women and girls for suspected money rituals. The incidents have sparked public outrage and renewed calls for stricter law enforcement, stronger moral education, youth empowerment and sustained public enlightenment to curb the crime.
