ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA A man from Nigeria was caught carrying something unusual. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a severed female breast. He admitted that he was planning to sell it for use in a black magic ritual.
In rural areas of Nigeria – and not only there – belief in witch doctors (known as babalawo) and the supernatural power of black magic remains strong. While the state considers such practices illegal, ritual killings still occur from time to time. The victims are most often young women.
A severed female breast can be used in rituals related to fertility and feminine energy, which are believed to enhance male strength and career success. It may also be used in love potions meant to make someone fall in love after consumption.
People in Nigeria who are occasionally caught with human body parts for ritual purposes often aren’t the ones performing the rituals themselves. More commonly, they’re trying to sell these parts on the black market for quick cash.
