A suspected ritualist has confessed to abducting numerous children for ritual purposes in Kwara State, claiming he has lost count of the victims.
The suspect, believed to be in his early 20s, was apprehended on Friday evening by residents in Ilorin, the state capital, after he allegedly tried to lure a child away.
Eyewitnesses reported that the young man was being beaten by an angry mob when a police patrol team intervened and rescued him from the scene.
In a video recorded during the incident and now circulating online, the suspect admitted that he was part of a syndicate involved in the abduction of children for rituals.
He disclosed that the group operates primarily in Ilorin but has links across several states.
“Our leader is based in Dagbolu, Osogbo. He sends us money to carry out these jobs.
“He once gave me N10 million,” the suspect confessed in Pidgin English, speaking through pain from injuries sustained in the mob attack.
He further revealed that the abducted children are often transported out of Kwara State within hours to avoid detection. He also named some accomplices believed to be working with the syndicate.
Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, stated that the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing thorough interrogation.
“He was arrested during a joint patrol by police and vigilante officers.
“We were able to prevent mob justice and immediately began investigating his claims,” she said in a statement on Saturday.
SP Ejire-Adeyemi warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing that mob action disrupts investigations and could lead to wrongful harm or death.
While the suspect alleged that the network is headquartered in Osun State, the police said these claims are still being verified.
As of now, no official victim or complainant has come forward to support the investigation.
“The Command is actively pursuing leads and will share further updates as the case unfolds,” the police spokesperson added.
The Star
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