Outrage in Bayelsa as suspected ritualist found with mutilated body of 6-year-old boy

A wave of shock and grief has swept through Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, following the arrest of a suspected ritualist identified as Bobby, who was allegedly found with the mutilated remains of a six-year-old boy.

The disturbing incident occurred on Wednesday evening in the Aritalin area of the Ovom community, where both the suspect and the victim are believed to reside. According to eyewitnesses, Bobby was seen acting suspiciously around 8 p.m., prompting concerned residents to raise an alarm. Upon confrontation, he reportedly attempted to flee to an undisclosed location but was swiftly apprehended by vigilant locals.

Upon closer inspection, the gruesome discovery of the child’s dismembered body confirmed residents’ worst fears—that the young boy had likely been murdered for ritual purposes.

The incident sparked outrage and unrest, particularly among members of the local Hausa community, who were devastated by the loss. Emotions ran high as some attempted to take justice into their own hands, but community elders intervened to calm tensions and prevent mob violence. The suspect was eventually handed over to the police.

A relative of the victim said the boy had been in Yenagoa to join in Eid celebrations before his untimely death. “The deceased boy had visited Yenagoa to celebrate Salah, but his life was cut short,” he said.

Hajia Aisha Abeki, Chairperson of the Federation of Muslim Women Association (FOMWAN) in Bayelsa, expressed her grief and condemned the act. “FOMWAN condemns the action and call on the Bayelsa State Police Command to ensure that justice is done,” Abeki stated.

Also reacting, Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy-Harry, President of the National Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence (AWAGBV), called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of the suspect.

Goddy-Harry noted that she, alongside Dr. Boma Tonye Miebai, Chairperson of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and FOMWAN representatives, met with the state Commissioner of Police, CP Francis Idu, who assured them the case would be thoroughly handled.

(LEADERSHIP)