A ritualists’ den has been discovered in Majidun area of Ikorodu, Lagos State, southwest Nigeria.
The den, where kidnapped children and adults were allegedly kept as hostages was found beside a church, Holy Family Church, situated in the remote area of the town.
A member of the church who spoke with our correspondents said that the discovery was made Wednesday morning when a lady was caught with two children kept inside a Ghana-must-go sack by residents of the area. The children, four years old were found alive and tied with a rope.
Before the lady was handed over to the police, she allegedly confessed to the residents that her blood was being used by the owner of the church for ritual and was asked to bring the two children for replacement.
According to residents who spoke with our correspondents, the pastor of the church, simply identified as Pastor Okonkwo, fled when he learnt that the lady was arrested, while some church members found within the vicinity denied knowledge of the ritualist’s den.
Residents of the area said that the church holds its services on Tuesdays, adding that members were mostly women.
A 53-year old man, Onwurah Nwankwo, was found inside the den of the ritualists. His hands and legs were chained.
Mr. Nwankwo, who spoke with newsmen, said he had been in the enclave for 11 years after he was taken there by his wife.
”I am from Delta State. I am a trader and I have also worked as a truck driver. My wife handed me over to kidnappers and I was brought here. My hands and legs were chained. People have been made to believe that I was insane. I don’t know where to go from here because I am confused, “ he said after he was rescued from the enclave.
Angry youths who stormed the area set the church ablaze before the arrival of policemen from Ikorodu.
A police officer, Akinwale Olatoye, refused to comment on the discovery but advised our correspondents to wait for the DPO of the area.
As at the time of filing this report, policemen in 15 trucks were deployed on both sides of the road close to the scene.
The policemen shot canisters of teargas into the air to disperse the huge crowd which besieged the area.
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