14-year-old boy dies after alleged ritual in Edo

Authorities in Edo State have taken two individuals into custody following the death of a 14-year-old boy, Okonkwo  Emmanuel, who reportedly suffered fatal injuries during a ritual in Iyamon Village, Illushi, Ubiaja.

The incident, which came to light on April 2, 2025, was reported by the victim’s older brother, Okonkwo Onyenbushi, according to security analyst Zagozola Makama.

The report claims that a self-identified native doctor, along with an accomplice, carried out a ritual purportedly intended to make the teenager immune to injuries caused by glass bottles.

During the process, the suspects allegedly hit the teenager on the head with a bottle to test the potency of the charm. The blow caused a severe head injury.

The injured boy was initially taken to Wisdom Hospital before being transferred to Ogbeide Hospital, where he was confirmed dead on April 5, 2025.

Sources confirm that his body has been placed in the hospital’s mortuary for autopsy, while the two suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.