The Delta State Police Command has arrested two individuals, including a native doctor and his apprentice, for the alleged ritual killing of an eight-year-old boy, Progress Agidi. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community, occurred in Owa Alero, Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
According to Mr. Ifeanyi Agidi, the boy’s father, the family realized Progress was missing on November 23, 2024. Despite extensive efforts to locate him within their immediate surroundings, they could not find any trace of the child.
“My name is Ifeanyi Agidi, and I live in Owa Alero. On that day, my eight-year-old son suddenly disappeared. My wife and I, along with other family members, began a frantic search,” Agidi said during a phone call.
During the search, someone informed the family that they had overheard the suspect, identified as Destiny Ogbeh, luring the child to the bush under the pretense of fetching firewood.
Search for the Missing Boy
The Agidi family confronted Destiny and his master, a native doctor with whom he was apprenticing, but both men denied knowing the boy’s whereabouts. Left with no other option, the family reported the case to the nearby Owa Oyibu Police Station.
“The police told us that since it hadn’t been 24 hours, we should continue searching and return later if the child was still missing,” Agidi recounted.
The village vigilante group joined the search efforts, leading to a grim discovery.
Discovery of the Body
Progress’s lifeless body was found in an uncompleted building near the bush where he had been taken. His throat had been slit, and his blood drained, in what police described as a ritual killing.
Police Investigation and Arrests
The gruesome discovery prompted a police investigation. Destiny Ogbeh and his master initially went into hiding but were eventually apprehended by law enforcement officers.
During interrogation, Destiny reportedly confessed to luring the boy into the bush on the promise of ₦30,000. He further implicated another native doctor, identified as Dr. Jonah, who resides in Otolokpo, a nearby town.
Family’s Reaction
The boy’s father, visibly distraught, described the anguish of losing his son in such a horrific manner.
“We are heartbroken. This act of wickedness has taken my son away from me. I hope justice is served so that no other family has to go through this pain,” he said.
Community Outrage and Call for Justice
The incident has sparked outrage in Owa Alero and neighboring communities, with residents demanding swift justice. Many have called for stricter measures to curb ritual killings, which continue to plague parts of Nigeria.
Police Response
Efforts to reach the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, for additional comments were unsuccessful as calls went unanswered.
Next Steps
The suspects remain in custody, and investigations are ongoing. The police have promised to ensure that all individuals involved in the crime are brought to justice.
A Larger Issue
This incident is a stark reminder of the alarming prevalence of ritual killings in Nigeria. Advocacy groups have emphasized the need for stronger community surveillance, public education, and swift prosecution of offenders to deter such heinous acts.
As the Agidi family and the community await justice, many hope this case will serve as a turning point in the fight against ritual killings and other related crimes.
