ABSTRACT

Killing of human beings for ritual sacrifices in the quest for power, wealth and protection has affected Nigeria in numerous ways, with a toll on the socio-cultural and communal relations of the people. Thus, this work, “Quest for Wealth and Power in the Nigerian Society: Modelling Religion as an Instrument in Addressing the Menace of Killing Human Beings for Ritual,” attempted to proffer a solution to the perennial menace of ritual killing. The study discovered that ritual killing for wealth, power and protection in Nigeria is growing at an alarming rate, and the factors motivating it were extreme poverty, unemployment, desire for political power, wealth and protection. These have negatively affected the social cohesion and mutual relations of the people. On this basis, the study offered the following recommendations; Religion, through Christian Association of Nigeria, Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, should create empowerment programmes to help eradicate poverty; liaise with the government and security agents, by way of lobby and pressure, to ensure the safety of the citizens. It should also preach hard work, patience and moral sanctity of the society.