Horrific Deaths in Delta: Intoxicated individuals searching for wealth through rituals

There is an alarming and unusual trend emerging among the youth in Delta state, which is becoming increasingly concerning.

For example, what could drive a young man in his twenties to murder his mother? Additionally, why have there been multiple reports of young men raping their mothers or grandmothers and then strangling them to death? These disturbing behaviors that are becoming more common among young adults are troubling many respectable members of society.

Recently, in the Eku community, a young man was accused of raping his elderly grandmother, which is shocking, to say the least. A few months earlier, in the same area, a young boy was reported to have killed his mother on Echi road. According to reports, the boy and his mother visited a local shrine around 11 PM to consult a juju priest. The priest advised them to return the next day, stating it was too late for a consultation. On their way home, the boy, who was carrying a cutlass, stepped back from his mother and used the sharp edge of the weapon to slash her neck. The mother screamed and collapsed, blood pouring from her wounds.

The incident, which occurred just a short distance from the juju priest’s home, drew the attention of his family, who rushed to the scene and found the woman lying in a pool of blood. Fortunately, the boy who attacked her was still nearby, and they quickly subdued him while his mother was taken to a nearby hospital. Tragically, she did not survive. The boy was subsequently handed over to the police.

In Agbarho community, located in the Ughelli North Local Government Area, about four months ago, another young boy reportedly raped his mother and then strangled her until she died.

In Okpare Olomu community, Ughelli South, an Anglican priest named Reverend Isaac Umurie was killed in his sleep by his 28-year-old son, Ufuoma Umurie.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, confirmed this incident when it occurred.

Reports indicate that some of these cases are currently under investigation by the police. It has been suggested that some of these acts may be committed under the influence of drugs. However, there are still those who argue that the idea of money-making rituals is merely a myth.

Just a month ago, a community leader in Oghior, Udu Local Government Area, Pa Chicago Okutu, tragically lost his life when his son, Saturday, allegedly set their house ablaze.

This raises a pressing question for concerned members of society: what could be causing these bizarre behaviors? Is it drug use or ritualistic killings associated with Yahoo Yahoo activities (rituals for wealth)?

Originally, Yahoo Yahoo referred to local internet fraud, a term that gained popularity among young adults over the past two decades. However, its meaning has expanded to include wealth obtained from mysterious sources, including murder for financial gain, commonly referred to as ritual killings.

Before these young men acquire sudden wealth, many of them rely on commercial bicycle and tricycle (keke) operators, who are often aware of their methods.

In a conversation with the Vanguard regarding the alarming trend among the youth, Mr. Joseph Ovie, a Keke driver in Warri, stated that substance abuse and Yahoo money are interconnected. He explained that the obsession with wealth is leading many young individuals towards ritual killings and drug use. “Let me clarify. The juju priests they consult impose certain requirements. Sometimes, they demand the blood of loved ones, and in other instances, they explicitly instruct them to kill their parents and bring back body parts,” he remarked.

Joseph further elaborated that in order to follow the juju priests’ orders, these young men resort to intoxicants to numb their humanity. “This is where the use of hard drugs ties into the ritual killings. To carry out these tasks, they consume hard substances to eliminate any feelings of compassion or remorse. It is only after committing these acts that they begin to feel regret,” he added.

Mr. Egwuono, an Okada rider, also shared his insights with the Vanguard, mentioning that he often transports many youths to these shrines. He noted that they have a different term for shrines, referring to them as “locations.”

“When those I transport to these ‘locations’ call me, if you overhear our conversation, you wouldn’t understand it because they simply ask me to take them to the location. They usually pay very well for the ride, which is why we Okada and Keke riders comply with their requests,” he explained.

“The reality is that you cannot approach the tasks assigned to them with a clear mind if you want the money to come. This is why they resort to various hard substances to maintain the right mindset,” Egwuono added.

As Egwuono mentioned, the boys have adopted the term location for shrines. Another Okada rider, Misan, corroborated this. Misan stated that the pursuit of Yahoo money and the need to adhere to the juju priests’ demands drive these boys to drug use. “You definitely need to be under the influence to harm your own child or friend for money. You can’t do it with a clear mind,” he asserted.

Misan expressed that whenever the boys hire him to take them to “locations,” he always prays earnestly to avoid any trouble. “They pay very well, but I always hope not to become a victim at these locations. They are aware that I usually inform some close contacts about the individuals I transported that day,” he said.

The Vanguard learned that some of the substances they consume include marijuana, which they refer to as wisdom leaves, Colorado, Loud, and others.

Fred, a young man running a beer parlour on Jakpa Road, mentioned that Yahoo boys mix various substances to achieve intoxication. “Some don’t stick to just one substance; they combine cocaine with marijuana and tramadol to get high. When they reach that state, some don’t even realize their pants are falling off. It’s quite alarming,” he remarked.

Several individuals who spoke to the Vanguard called for community involvement to tackle this issue. They emphasized that it is insufficient to leave the responsibility solely to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). “Communities should take part. They need to establish community frameworks to collaborate with government agencies like the NDLEA and police to control substance abuse,” stated security expert Mr. Ibarko Mamus.

Pa Oghenevwede Amos, a local elder in Warri, expressed concern about the distressing situation for young men who find themselves idle at home after graduating from university.

He noted that frustration and depression are significant factors contributing to the drug use and pursuit of Yahoo money among these boys.

“The Delta state and federal government should engage the youth and provide them with job opportunities,” he urged.