A group known as the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta, has called on stakeholders in the region to work with relevant government agencies to put an end to ritual killings.
The group, made the call in a statement while alleging that about 150 women and girls were killed for ritual purposes in the last two years, in Imo, Delta and Cross Rivers states.
According to the NGO, the prevailing situation is driven by a growing demand for human body parts for money-making.
PIND, stated that the crime against humanity endangers the safety and security of women and girls, and if not properly checked, could have political and socio-economic effects.
Part of the statement reads,
The growing prevalence of targeted killings of women and girls for rituals is a serious threat to human security.
The prevailing situation, which is seemingly driven by a growing demand for human body parts for money-making occult rituals, has the potential to reinforce harmful cultural beliefs and practices that could endanger the safety and security of women and girls.
According to data, over 150 incidents of ritual-related killings were reported in the Niger Delta between January 2018 and December 2021.
Recent incidents also indicate an upsurge in targeted killings of women and girls for ritual purposes in the region, particularly in Cross River, Delta and Imo state.
In January 2022, for example, more than 10 girls were reportedly killed for rituals in Ogoja town, Cross River state.
