Kwara lawmakers call for enforcement of law prohibiting dealing in human parts

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

Lawmakers in the Kwara State House of Assembly have urged the state governor to direct the Ministry of Communications and the Office of the Special Adviser on Security to collaborate with law enforcement agencies, community, and religious leaders to launch a comprehensive public education campaign on the Kwara State Prohibition of Dealing in Human Parts Law. The campaign would target schools, communities, local media, and diverse demographics to ensure that the provisions of the law are understood, respected, and enforced.

The lawmakers also urged the governor to direct the Office of the Special Adviser on Security to work with security agencies in the state to establish a platform that allows citizens to report suspected cases and provide feedback on the implementation of anti-ritualism initiatives.

Leading the debate, Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu, representing Owode/Onire, moved a motion titled Need to Address the Phenomenon of Money Ritual-Motivated Killings and Create Awareness on the Kwara State Prohibition of Dealing in Human Parts Law and Implementation of the Legal Framework: KWHAM 40. The motion was seconded by Hon. Abolarin Ganiu Gabriel, representing Ekiti, during the plenary on Tuesday in Ilorin.

She stated that in recent years, the belief in supernatural powers and the practice of ritual sacrifices have become prevalent in society. She noted that the alarming rate at which innocent people are murdered, dismembered, and abandoned in various parts of cities underscores the urgent need for action.

Hon. Shittu condemned the actions of individuals who, out of ignorance, believe that ritual sacrifices and magical concoctions made with human body parts can bring financial fortune, fame, and power. She expressed concern that many innocent victims, particularly women, have fallen prey to such gruesome acts.

The lawmaker urged Kwarans, especially youths, to be cautious about social media friendships and to report suspicious conversations with strangers to security agencies to prevent ritual-related killings and other criminal activities.

She further lamented that ritual killings and related atrocities have plagued not only Kwara State but also other parts of the country for far too long. Despite existing legal frameworks aimed at curbing these heinous crimes, she noted that there remains a significant gap in public awareness and law enforcement.

Hon. Shittu concluded that to ensure the safety of communities and the protection of citizens’ rights and lives, the Kwara State Prohibition of Dealing in Human Parts Law must be urgently implemented. She emphasized that the law has the potential to significantly reduce ritual-related crimes in society.

Other lawmakers who contributed to the debate included Hon. Owolabi Olatunde Razaq (Share/Oke-Ode), Hon. Abdullahi Halidu Danbaba (Kaiama/Kemanji/Wajibe), Hon. Mohammed Baba Salihu (Okuta/Yashikira), Hon. Sheun Ogunniyi David (Ojomu/Balogun), Hon. Ayi Babatunde Olatundun (Ilorin North/West), Hon. Arinola Fatimah Lawal (Ilorin East), Hon. Saba Yisa Gideon (Edu), Hon. Ganiyu Folabi Salau (Omupo), and Hon. Mariam Yusuf (Ilorin South).