MONROVIA – Just weeks after a highly publicized US Congressional hearing on ritualistic killings in Africa, to draw the world’s attention to the dark underbelly of this terrifying practice- shedding light on the disturbing reality faced by many communities, particularly in Liberia, two brothers have fallen victim to the practice again.
The brothers’ names withheld, found themselves unwittingly entangled in a web of danger. 14 days to Liberia’s general and presidential elections. Seeking an early morning lift, the brothers hailed a passing Toyota Pathfinder Jeep, hoping for a safe journey to their destination at about 3 am.
We climbed into the vehicle, unaware of the sinister intentions lurking beneath the surface. As the car accelerated, our hearts sank as we realized our mistake, said one of the brothers who escaped.
The driver, a mysterious figure with a cold demeanor, had no intention of taking the brothers to their desired location.
In an act of desperation, knowing that their lives hung in the balance, one of the brothers made a split-second decision. Summoning all his courage, he flung himself from the moving vehicle, as his body tumbled across the unforgiving asphalt. Bruised and battered, he managed to escape the clutches of his captors.
Still trembling from his ordeal, the victim with all his clothes removed, recounted the horrors he and his brother had endured. He spoke of a secret network of individuals involved in ritualistic killings, preying on unsuspecting victims for their gruesome practices. The details were bone-chilling, revealing a world where darkness thrived in the shadows. He said when the boarded the jeep that early morning, little did they know that three other occupants where seated in the third role of the seats in the trunk of the jeep.
“As the car was speeding, the occupants quickly used ropes to hold us by our necks, while the other was removing our clothing. We were bleeding from our necks while we were fighting desperately to release ourselves. They had succeeded to remove my clothes but I managed to force the window glass down and flunk myself out of the moving vehicle; my brother did not; so they took him away”, said one of the brothers who was discovered by another car that came shortly after he jumped from the moving jeep.
Video making rounds on social media shows him naked when he was found by the roadside on the Roberts International Airport road.
The recent incident involving the two brothers highlights the ongoing issue of ritualistic killings in Liberia. Despite efforts to raise awareness and combat this practice, innocent individuals continue to suffer. The highly publicized US Congressional hearing aimed to draw the world’s attention to this dark underbelly of African societies, emphasizes the urgent need for action.
Liberia, in particular, has witnessed a significant prevalence of ritualistic killings, with vulnerable communities bearing the brunt of this horrifying reality. The brothers, seeking a safe journey to their destination, unwittingly placed themselves in harm’s way when they hailed a passing Toyota Pathfinder Jeep. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by individuals, even during the early hours of the morning.
With Liberia’s elections few days away, the incident further highlights the need for increased security measures and vigilance. The safety of citizens should be a top priority, especially during this crucial period when tensions run high. Authorities must take immediate action to investigate this incident and ensure the perpetrators face justice, sending a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated.
The unfortunate victimization of the two brothers once again sheds light on the disturbing reality of ritualistic killings in Africa. It serves as a call to action for governments, communities, and international organizations to come together and address this heinous practice. By raising awareness, implementing effective security measures, and promoting education, we can work towards eradicating ritualistic killings and creating a safer future for all. In the meantime, the other brother has not been rescued; and that Police have said nothing about his whereabouts.
