A shocking incident unfolded in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday, as a 14-year-old boy, Malik Kareem, was reportedly beheaded in a gruesome ritual killing.
The incident, which occurred in the Olorisaoko community of Akinyele Local Government Area, has left the area in a state of shock and confusion.
According to investigations, Malik had recently completed his final exams for the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) at Iyana Community Grammar School, Olode, Moniya, Ibadan. What should have been a time of celebration turned into a nightmare when Malik, along with three other boys of similar age, sought the services of a Muslim cleric, who is now on the run, for a money ritual.
Unbeknownst to Malik, the three other boys had conspired with the cleric to use him as a human sacrifice for the ritual. According to sources, the victim was lured to the cleric’s house, where he was strangled, beheaded, and his head was cremated as part of the ritual.
A family member recounted the horrifying discovery: “I was at home when one of my brothers rushed in to inform me of the tragedy. We hurried to the scene, only to find Malik’s lifeless body without a head. The cleric had already fled, leaving behind the gruesome evidence of the ritual. We were told the boys planned to use the remains to mix with pap, according to what they confessed.”
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with unidentified youths reportedly setting the cleric’s house on fire in retaliation.
When contacted, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway. “Investigations have commenced on the incident, and you will be updated accordingly,” he stated.