Suspected Ritualist Arrested for Gruesome Murder of 6-Year-Old Boy in Bayelsa State

The Nigeria Police Force

A 6-year-old boy visiting Yenagoa to celebrate the Salah holiday was gruesomely murdered in the Aritalin area of Ovom community, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, allegedly by a suspected ritualist identified as Bobby. The tragic incident, which occurred on Wednesday evening, has sparked outrage and calls for justice.

The suspect, a resident of the same Ovom community, was intercepted by vigilant residents around 8 p.m. as he attempted to flee with the mutilated remains of the child concealed in a sack. Eyewitnesses said his suspicious movements drew attention, prompting locals to raise an alarm. As the gruesome contents of the sack were uncovered, anger surged among members of the Hausa community, where the boy hailed from.

An attempted mob attack on the suspect was narrowly averted due to the swift intervention of community elders, who restrained the crowd and ensured Bobby was handed over to the police without incident. The family of the deceased expressed deep grief but urged for peace, stating that the Muslim community in Yenagoa seeks justice, not violence.

Chairperson of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) Bayelsa Chapter, Hajia Aisha Abeki, condemned the killing during a condolence visit to the bereaved family. “FOMWAN condemns this wicked act in its entirety and calls on the Bayelsa State Police Command to ensure justice is not only done but seen to be done,” she said.

Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy-Harry, President of the National Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence (AWAGBV), also condemned the act, describing it as a tragedy that must not be ignored. “We are calling on all relevant stakeholders to rise and ensure that the life of this innocent child does not go in vain. Justice must be served,” she said.

The advocacy groups, including the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Bayelsa Chapter, represented by Dr. Boma Tonye Miebai, have been in contact with Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu. They confirmed that the commissioner has assured them of a thorough and transparent investigation.

The tragic killing has gripped the Ovom community with fear and sadness, reigniting concerns about ritual killings and the safety of children. Authorities have pledged to pursue the case diligently as human rights organizations monitor the investigation closely.