Panic as suspected ritualist murders nursing mother in Osun

Residents of Osun Grove Road in Isle Osun, Osogbo, woke up to a horrific sight on Wednesday morning—a middle-aged woman, identified as Khadijat, lying in a pool of blood, reportedly killed by suspected ritualists.

Khadijat, a homeless nursing mother, was said to have been abandoned by her husband years ago, leaving her destitute and wandering the streets with her child.

According to a local resident, Dara, the woman’s vulnerability likely made her an easy target for the perpetrators.

The tragic incident occurred on the road leading to the Osun Grove, a sacred site in the area. Dara recounted how Khadijat had been seen wandering the neighborhood, struggling to survive after being neglected by her husband.

The circumstances surrounding the gruesome murder have heightened fears in the community, as residents express concern over rising insecurity and the potential threat of ritual killings. Authorities have yet to release an official statement, but investigations are expected to begin immediately.

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“Khadijat is well known by residents of Isale Osun for her characteristic begging for food and money from passersby with her baby. I think some ritualists would have taken advantage of her vulnerability and loneliness.

“I saw neighbours gathered, and when I peeped, I saw Khajidat whose head had been cut off, and after we searched around, we discovered that her baby had been taken away, possibly by those who killed her.

“The police were later informed of the incident and her remains evacuated”, he said.