Tension gripped the Ovom community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on Wednesday evening after a man identified as Bobby was apprehended for allegedly murdering a six-year-old boy in what is suspected to be a ritual killing.
The tragic incident occurred in the Aritalin area of Ovom, where the suspect, said to be a native of the same community, was reportedly caught with the mutilated remains of the child.
According to eyewitnesses, vigilant residents observed Bobby acting suspiciously around 8:00 p.m. and immediately raised the alarm, leading to his interception as he attempted to flee to an unknown location.
The gruesome discovery sent shockwaves through the Hausa community, where the young victim hailed from. In a swift but emotionally charged response, angry residents attempted to take matters into their own hands.
However, community elders stepped in promptly to de-escalate the situation, restraining the crowd and ensuring the suspect was handed over to the police for formal investigation.
A relative of the deceased disclosed that the boy had come to Yenagoa to celebrate the Salah festivities with his family. “His life was cut short in such a horrible manner. Though we are deeply hurt, our Muslim community remains peaceful. What we want is justice,” the family member said.
In response to the incident, various advocacy groups and civil society organisations have condemned the killing and called for thorough investigation and swift justice. Hajia Aisha Abeki, Chairperson of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Bayelsa State chapter, expressed the grief and outrage of women across the community.
“We are heartbroken. FOMWAN strongly condemns this heinous act and urges the Bayelsa State Police Command to ensure that justice prevails,” she stated.
Similarly, Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy-Harry, President of the National Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence (AWAGBV), described the act as brutal and unacceptable.
She revealed that, in collaboration with the Chairperson of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Bayelsa, Dr. Boma Tonye Miebai, and FOMWAN, they had engaged the Commissioner of Police, CP Francis Idu, who assured them that the case would be diligently investigated and prosecuted.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Bayelsa State Police Command, Musa Mohammed, said the suspect was in custody and that the matter had been officially transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. He added that the police were committed to ensuring a thorough probe and bringing the perpetrator to justice in accordance with the law.
As investigations continue, residents of Yenagoa and human rights advocates across the country are closely watching developments, calling on the authorities to ensure that the full weight of the law is applied to serve justice for the innocent child and his grieving family.