Ritual Killings, Human Trafficking Dey Rise — LASG

Experts and African leaders don raise alarm say ritual killings and human trafficking dey rise sharply, and dem dey call for urgent united action to tackle wetin dem call growing continental crisis. Di alarm come during di first Annual Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking, wey Lagos State Ministry of Justice organise with Pepperdine University’s Sudreau Global Justice Institute. Speakers condemn how ritual abuse, sacrifice, and trafficking networks dey spread for Nigeria and West Africa. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through Secretary to di State Government, ’Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, warn say human trafficking na serious crime against humanity wey must dey tackled together. E talk say millions, especially women and children, dey trapped in forced labour, sexual abuse, and ritual exploitation. Sanwo-Olu call on African governments, law enforcement, and traditional institutions make dem join hands dismantle di myth wey link power or success to human sacrifice, and declare: “Our people no be for sale; our children no be sacrifices.”

Di Attorney General of di Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), through Ezinne Nwokoro, talk say fight against human trafficking need continental strategy and say ritual-related crimes don become major security and moral wahala for Africa. Lagos Chief Judge, Kazeem Alogba, describe human trafficking as global pandemic wey dey threaten human dignity and safety, adding say ritual abuse dey connected to old slavery practices and communities must see trafficking as evil. Lagos AG and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), talk say human trafficking na highly profitable crime wey dey generate $236 billion annually, with ritual killings and trafficking dey increasingly linked. Lagos State Task Force with NAPTIP don rescue over 4,700 victims between 2022-2024. NAPTIP DG, Binta Adamu Bello, reveal say over 150 ritual killing cases dey for just five months of 2025, with victims often trapped by spiritual oaths. Professor Cameron McCollum from Pepperdine University reaffirm say dem go continue support African countries build stronger justice systems to fight ritual abuse and human trafficking.