FCE Okene in shock after student found dead amid ritual killing fears

The Federal College of Education (FCE), Okene, has been thrown into mourning following the reported discovery of Suleiman Rahma Onono, a 20-year-old student who had been missing for over a week.

Suleiman was last seen on a Saturday, sparking widespread fear among students, family members, friends, and staff who had mounted efforts to find her.

Her body was later found under circumstances that have deeply shaken the college community, and concerns have intensified amid wider anxieties about ritual-related violence in parts of Nigeria.

Tributes and condolence messages have poured in from students, staff, and members of the public since news of her death emerged.

College authorities have assured the community of their commitment to improving campus security as investigations continue.

Security agencies are said to have launched inquiries into Suleiman’s disappearance and death to determine what happened and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

The college management has also pledged to strengthen safety measures, assuring students and staff that their welfare remains a priority.

The tragic incident has reignited public concern over a broader pattern of ritual-linked crimes in Nigeria, especially involving young people.

In recent years, police across the country have reported cases in which missing persons were later found dead, and suspects were arrested in connection with allegations of killing for ritual purposes, sometimes linked to beliefs in obtaining wealth or success through supernatural means.

In Plateau State, police noted that while ritual killings are relatively minimal there, they acknowledged that some criminals, including those involved in internet fraud, have been linked to harvesting human body parts for alleged ritual uses.

Other incidents reported in different parts of Nigeria have involved arrests for alleged ritual murder and the illegal trade of human parts, illustrating the complexity of the issue and the challenges law enforcement faces.

Experts and community leaders have emphasised that these acts are criminal and have no justification in any religious or cultural practice.

They argue that tackling such violence requires not only effective policing but also public education and social interventions that address root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and harmful beliefs that can drive criminal behaviour.

As the investigation into Suleiman’s death continues, students and parents alike are urging authorities to act swiftly to dispel fear, ensure justice, and protect young people across the nation.