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In a chilling revelation that’s sending shockwaves through Benue State, police have nabbed a 30-year-old man accused of the gruesome ritual murders of at least 16 commercial motorcycle riders—known locally as okada riders. The suspect, Lorwuuese Kpila, has confessed to the crimes, burying his victims’ remains in shallow graves in a twisted bid for supernatural powers.
The Benue State Police Command swooped in on September 28, arresting Kpila along with six alleged accomplices believed to be part of his criminal syndicate. Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Feanyi, disclosed the horrifying details during a press briefing, revealing that the killings were meticulously planned to harvest body parts for ritual purposes. “This syndicate targeted vulnerable okada riders, luring them to isolated spots before striking,” Feanyi stated, emphasizing the premeditated nature of the atrocities.
The operation, which spanned several months, has been linked to a disturbing uptick in ritual-related violence across the state. Investigators uncovered multiple shallow graves during raids on the suspects’ hideouts, with forensic teams working around the clock to identify the remains and notify grieving families.
The news has ignited widespread outrage and fear among residents, who are reeling from the rising tide of ritual killings plaguing Benue. Okada riders, a lifeline for daily transport in bustling markets and rural routes, now patrol with heightened vigilance, many opting for group rides or avoiding late-night jobs altogether. “We’ve lost brothers, fathers—how can we trust the roads we ride every day?” lamented one rider in Makurdi, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Social media is ablaze with calls for justice, as hashtags like #BenueInfo trend amid demands for stricter enforcement against occult crimes. Community leaders have rallied, urging riders to report suspicious activities and avoid traveling alone.
In response to the public outcry, the police have assured Benue citizens that investigations are in full swing. “No stone will be left unturned. All those found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” Feanyi promised, highlighting ongoing probes into potential links with other unsolved cases. The suspects are currently in custody, with charges of murder, conspiracy, and desecration of corpses pending.
This arrest marks a significant breakthrough in combating the shadowy world of ritual killings, but experts warn it may only scratch the surface of a deeper network. As Benue grapples with this nightmare, the focus sharpens on prevention—through community education, increased patrols, and breaking the stigma around reporting such crimes.
Stay with us for updates as more details emerge in this unfolding horror.
*Source: Benue Info-pedia, Terver Lornumbe*
