Media publisher and anti-ritual killing advocate, Mr. Sunday Oyinloye, has intensified his campaign against the killing of girls for money rituals, announcing new partnerships with key stakeholders to strengthen nationwide efforts against the menace.
Oyinloye, Publisher of Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable, made the announcement in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja. He said the advocacy campaign, which has run for four years, is entering a new phase.
“Having sustained the advocacy since January 2022, the campaign is now entering a new phase focused on stronger collaboration with media organisations, civil society, schools, religious and traditional institutions, and other stakeholders,” Oyinloye said.
He noted that the campaign produced an anti-ritual killing jingle in English, later translated into Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo. The jingle received extensive radio airplay and wide circulation across social media platforms.
“In addition, I have produced about 80 advocacy video clips, granted several media interviews, and issued numerous public statements to create awareness about ritual killings and the urgent need for collective action,” he said.
Oyinloye said the renewed campaign would prioritise youth engagement through public lectures, advocacy programmes, and digital media initiatives aimed at discouraging the dangerous pursuit of quick wealth among young Nigerians.
“The next phase of the campaign will place greater emphasis on youth engagement through lectures, advocacy programmes, and digital campaigns promoting hard work, integrity, entrepreneurship, and respect for human life,” he stated.
Describing ritual killings as a national emergency, Oyinloye urged governments, security agencies, and citizens to sustain coordinated efforts against perpetrators, stressing that stronger enforcement is essential to ending the crime.
“Ritual killings have become a national emergency demanding sustained attention from government, security agencies, and every segment of society. Law enforcement must investigate thoroughly, arrest perpetrators, and ensure successful prosecution,” he said.
He also called on the government to address youth unemployment and expand economic opportunities, arguing that improving livelihoods would help tackle the underlying factors driving ritual killings and other violent crimes.
“I appeal to parents and guardians to instil sound moral values in their children. Religious and traditional leaders should speak strongly against ritual killings and the pursuit of illicit wealth,” Oyinloye added.
He said he is completing a comprehensive book on ritual killings in Nigeria, examining their causes, devastating consequences, international implications, and practical recommendations for collective national action.
“The forthcoming publication examines the root causes, the devastating impact on victims, families and communities, how ritual killings affect Nigeria’s international image, and offers practical recommendations,” he explained.
Expressing optimism about the campaign’s future, Oyinloye said broader public participation would strengthen nationwide advocacy, insisting that collective action is indispensable to ending ritual killings and restoring respect for human life.
“No nation can make meaningful progress when innocent lives are sacrificed for wealth. We must restore human dignity. This campaign belongs to every Nigerian committed to ending ritual killings,” he said.
