The Plateau State Police Command has assured residents that cases of ritual killings in the state are minimal and that there is no evidence of a human parts market or cannibal activity in the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Alfred Alabo, stated this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Jos.
No Evidence of Human Parts Market
Alabo clarified that there is no intelligence report suggesting the existence of a human parts trade in Plateau State.
“There is no intelligence report that suggests that a human parts market exists in Plateau; we do not have such here. And I can categorically say that we have minimal cases of ritual killings recorded in the state,” he said.
Internet Fraud Syndicates Linked to Ritual Killings
However, the PPRO acknowledged that internet fraudsters, commonly known as Yahoo Boys, are involved in ritual killings.
“Most of these Yahoo boys kill and harvest human parts for ritual purposes. They do that on the directive of their native doctors, who promise to boost their powers, chances of hitting better deals, and immunity from arrest,” Alabo explained.
He also admitted that kidnapping, armed robbery, and cult-related activities were on the rise in Plateau State.
Religious Leaders Urged to Take Action
Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Plateau State, urged religious leaders to actively preach against ritual killings.
Lubo supported Alabo’s claims of minimal ritual killings but called on parents to warn their children against joining cult groups or engaging in internet fraud.
The police continue to encourage citizens to report suspicious activities as efforts to combat crime in the state intensify.