On the night of the 25th of October, 2023, a heart-wrenching event sent shockwaves through Nigerian social media pages, the death of another young woman over ritual killing. Justina Otuene Nkang's story is one of those headlines, touching our hearts and compelling us to face an unsettling truth that's playing out right before our eyes.

Justina, a young woman full of promise, was a 300 level student of the department of Biochemistry at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. She met her end in one of the most brutal ways. What makes this story even more tragic is the person responsible for this unimaginable act - her boyfriend, Collins, a fellow student at the same institution. He reportedly dismembered her, taking her vital organs and was only apprehended when he tried to transport her remains past the estate gate.

A Troubling Trend

Justina's story is not an isolated incident. It's part of a troubling trend that has found its way into our society. It's a trend that exposes the desperation for wealth that has taken root among our youth. Ritual-related crimes, often committed by young individuals seeking quick money, have become alarmingly common.

In the face of such horrifying events, we sometimes seek simple answers and, tragically, resort to victim-blaming, uttering insensitive comments such as “she went to prostitute herself, hence she met such an awful end.” However, Justina’s case doesn’t conform to this simplistic narrative. She wasn’t a casual acquaintance; she was in a relationship with her alleged murderer. She trusted him, felt secure with him. Theirs was a bond built on trust and familiarity, leaving us to ponder the question – how much more precaution can women take to ensure their safety?

One factor that fuels these crimes is the glorification of quick money and the relentless pursuit of wealth, often at any cost, especially on social media. This celebration of ill-gotten gains has created a culture where some individuals are willing to resort to shocking acts in their quest for financial success often involving the lives of victims.

Community Reflection

Justina's tragic fate calls upon us to reflect on our roles within our community. We must examine how we can prevent such crimes, whether by reporting suspicious activities or offering support to victims. These are not mere suggestions but moral responsibilities we must embrace.

The Uniport incident is a clear reminder that evil often resides within the minds of individuals, not always visible on their faces. Justina's story, along with countless others like it, compels our society to confront the stark reality of ritual-related crimes. It calls on us to work together, engage in meaningful dialogue, and take collective action to prevent such heart-wrenching tragedies in the future.

I honestly hope that Justina Nkang's story would be more than just another headline story. Let it be a catalyst for open dialogue, deep introspection, and a united commitment to address the darkness lurking in our society. Only through collective awareness, education, and community engagement can we hope to prevent further losses like Justina's.

Otuosoro Ranjo