A tragic incident unfolded in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as a 14-year-old boy, identified as Malik Kareem, was reportedly beheaded for ritual purposes on Saturday evening.
The horrifying event took place in the Olorisaoko Community of Akinyele Local Government Area, leaving the entire area in shock and confusion.
According to investigations, Malik had recently completed his final subject for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at Iyana Community Grammar School, Olode, Moniya, Ibadan. On the day of the incident, Malik and three of his peers sought out a Muslim cleric, now on the run, allegedly for a money ritual.
Unbeknownst to Malik, his three companions had conspired with the cleric to use him as a sacrificial victim in the ritual.
A credible family source recounted the horror: “I was at home when one of my brothers rushed in to inform me of the incident. We hurried to the scene, only to find Malik’s lifeless body, decapitated, lying in a pool of blood in the cleric’s house.”
The source revealed that Malik’s head had already been cremated, adding, “The other three boys had struck a deal with the cleric to use their friend for a money ritual. They strangled him, beheaded him, and cremated his head. They intended to use the remains to prepare pap daily.”
In the aftermath, the cleric’s house was reportedly set ablaze by unidentified youths from the community, seeking retribution for the gruesome act.
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,” Osifeso stated.
The incident has sparked outrage and sorrow within the community, as the police continue to search for the fleeing cleric and investigate the involvement of the other boys in the heinous crime.
