BEYOND THE BLADE: UNDERSTANDING THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DRIVERS OF RITUAL KILLINGS AMONG YOUTHS IN IBADAN METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Ritual killing involves killing or severing the part of people or the purpose of using it as an object of ritual sacrifice aim to acquire favour, fame, power, protection and ritual money especially among the youths. Nigeria has been greatly attacked with serious security challenges even since its advent of democracy in 1999. In lieu of this, human trafficking, baby factory syndrome, drug trafficking, Cyber-crimes, Theft, Advanced fee fraud and several others have seriously posed threat to Nigeria. Ritual killing has emerged as a major security concern in Nigeria, and the fate of the victim of ritual killing is generating a growing attention. The study examines the role of the socio-economic status of the family towards ritual killings among youths, and the coping strategies towards militating youth ritual killings in Ibadan metropolis.

 The study anchored itself on Anomie theory with these objectives. The study engaged an exploratory and qualitative research methodology and collected data through 5 in-depth interviews, 10 key informant interview. The data collected were content analyzed. 

 The study identifies the socio-economic status of families, particularly poverty, unemployment, and lack of basic needs, as key drivers of ritual killings among youths in Nigeria. The phenomenon reflects a breakdown of moral values, trust in justice systems, and social norms, highlighting the need for stronger law enforcement, public education, and awareness campaigns to combat the issue.

Keywords:           Domestic Violence, Familial Relationships, Victims, Perpetrators, Ibadan                                                            Metropolis