Ritualists Pluck Out Varsity Student's Eyes

By Yomi Obaditan

The family of Churchill Omoruyi, a 300-level student of the University of Benin, Edo State began the new year on a sad note when they received news of the death of their son, whose eyes were allegedly plucked out by ritualists.

P.M.NEWS investigation revealed that Churchill, a student of Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, University of Benin, UNIBEN, left home on  30 December, 2010  to attend a vigil at Christ Foundation Church, off Ewah Road, Benin City, but he never returned home.

The following day, Churchillâ€s brother, Paul Omoruyi, his father, Pa Omoruyi and his fatherâ€s brother, Mr John Igbinadolor were shocked when police informed  them that the deceased had  drowned  in Ikpoba River, Benin City when he was being baptised.

The family disputed the claim, saying that the late Churchill had been baptised before and he did not go to the church with a change of clothes in preparation for the baptism.

The family, therefore, went with the police to search for the corpse of the late Churchill. But when it was found on 1 January 2011, the family discovered  the deceasedâ€s eyes had been plucked out and his tongue removed. This gave rise to their suspicion that he might have been a victim of ritual killers.

At the Esiegie Police Station, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Mrs Carol Onyeka Afegbai, a Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP confirmed the story.

She added that the late Churchillâ€s body has been sent to the hospital for autopsy and the result will determine the next line of action by the Police.

Mrs. Afegbai confirmed the arrest of Pastor Ojo because the deceased was said to have attended his church for the vigil before his death.

The DPO directed further enquiries on the incident to the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Peter Ogboi, but he could not be reached as at press time.