The Dark Reality: The Rising Tide of Cybercrime and Ritual Killings Among Nigerian Youths -By Seun Elere

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing surge in two of the most heinous and alarming crimes — cybercrime, commonly known as “yahoo yahoo,” and ritual killings. But what makes these crimes even more chilling is the growing involvement of very young boys who seem to be plunging into these dark paths with startling ease and disturbing confidence.

At the heart of this crisis is the unrelenting pressure to succeed, coupled with a society that often measures success by material wealth. In a nation where opportunities for genuine success seem limited, the allure of fast money — earned through illegal means — is irresistible for many. Young boys, some no older than teenagers, are increasingly drawn into the world of cybercrime, scamming innocent victims both locally and internationally.

Our news media are saturated with stories of how these young criminals, often working alone or in sophisticated networks, use social engineering and technology to deceive, exploit, and defraud individuals and businesses. The growing confidence of these youth in carrying out their criminal acts is staggering. They have mastered the art of using online tools to manipulate their targets, with little fear of being caught or facing any serious consequences. Even worse, there is a disturbing glorification of this criminal lifestyle. Popular culture and social media, where images of fast cars, designer clothes, and exotic lifestyle dominate, paint a distorted image of success that many young boys and girls are eager to emulate, at any cost.

While the cybercrime epidemic continues to rise, an even darker and more sinister phenomenon is also taking root: ritual killings. These gruesome acts reportedly involve the abduction and gruesome murder of innocent victims for the purpose of using their body parts in occult practices, believed by some to bring wealth, power, success or for whatever sinister reason. What makes this tragedy even more terrifying is the increasing reports that the prices of human body parts are traded like some cheap children biscuits — at times less than the cost of a child’s biscuits- within their evil networks. It’s as though human life has been reduced to a mere transaction, with no regard for the devastating impact on families and society.

The brutality and savagery of these acts reflect a deep moral and social decay. And what’s worse is that these practices are not only becoming more prevalent but more brazen. Young boys and (even) girls are reportedly being recruited into these heinous acts, often by older individuals who exploit their desperation or misguided desire for wealth. The horrific nature of these crimes speaks to a broader issue: the breakdown of societal values and the erosion of empathy in a generation too focused on materialism and instant gratification.

It is crucial that we ask ourselves: what is driving our young people to such desperate measures? And, more importantly, how can we reverse this troubling trend?

First, we must recognize the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to combat youth unemployment, lack of education, and societal instability. As long as large segments of the youth population are excluded from economic opportunities, the temptation of illicit wealth will remain powerful. At the same time, efforts must be made to rebuild the moral fabric of society. Values such as hard work, integrity, and compassion must be instilled from a young age.

Furthermore, law enforcement must step up efforts to apprehend and punish those who engage in these heinous crimes. But tackling the problem requires more than just punitive measures. It requires a cultural shift, one that promotes education, opportunity, and empathy over material gain at any cost. Schools, religious organizations, and community leaders must work together to provide guidance and support to vulnerable youth, guiding them away from these dark paths.

The challenge before us is immense, but not insurmountable. The rise of “yahoo yahoo” and ritual killings are symptoms of a larger crisis in our society. It is a crisis of values, of opportunity, and of the future we are handing our children. As Nigerians, we must confront this issue head-on — not just through policy and law enforcement, but through a collective commitment to restoring hope, integrity, and humanity.

Until we do so, the tragic stories of young boys and girls who lose themselves to greed and violence will only continue to multiply, and the scars of their actions will leave an indelible mark on our very dear nation, Nigeria.

Seun Elere
Public Affairs Analyst