A 14-year-old boy named Malik Kareem has allegedly been beheaded for ritual purposes in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Saturday.
The tragic event took place in the Olorisaoko community within the Akinyele Local Government Area on Saturday evening, causing widespread shock and confusion among local residents.
According to investigations, the victim had recently completed his final examination subject for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) at Iyana Community Grammar School in Olode, Moniya, Ibadan.
Multiple sources who spoke with newsmen yesterday revealed that Malik, along with three of his peers, had approached a now-fugitive Muslim cleric for a money ritual on the same day. However, unbeknownst to Malik, the other three boys had secretly arranged with the cleric to sacrifice him.
Family members recounted, “I was at home when one of my brothers rushed in to inform me about this tragic event. We immediately went to the scene to verify the situation. Upon arrival, we found Malik’s lifeless body on the ground without a head, while the Muslim cleric had already fled.”
“He was discovered in a pool of blood inside the cleric’s house. His head has already been cremated. The three boys had previously negotiated with the cleric to use their friend for the ritual. When they arrived, they strangled him to death, beheaded him, and cremated the body, they will be using it to take pap every day,” they added.
Another family source disclosed, “The cleric’s house was set ablaze by unidentified youths from the community.”
When approached for comment, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway.
“Investigations into the matter have begun, and further updates will be provided accordingly,” he stated.