The Ogun Alternate Medicine Board says it will set up a task force to fish out uncertified traditionalists rendering evil services to perpetrators of criminal activities.
Chairman of the board, Mr Balogun Olaleye, said this at a strategic meeting with members of staff and stakeholders in Abeokuta on Friday.
Olaleye decried the growing rate of ritual killings, kidnapping and cultism in the country, saying the situation should be nipped in the bud to ensure peace in the society.
“I am saying that the use of human beings or human parts for ritual is not in our value system and we will not accept such.
“The board is strategic in curtailing the evil acts and we are deploying all means to track down the unscrupulous traditionalists, whom the people believe are the ones rendering the evil services,” he said.
According to him, some of the measures to end the menace include: re-orientation of alternate medicine practitioners, traditionalists and herbalists as well as strengthening the synergy with security agencies on enforcement.
He said findings had shown that the heinous acts were being perpetrated mostly by youths due to moral decadence in society and the ‘get rich quick syndrome’.
He said the board would ensure that certified practitioners in the state abide by the operational rules and guidelines of the practice for human wellness.
The chairman urged members of the public to support the board in its determination to sanitise the sub-sector and get rid of quacks.
He however, urged residents to inform security agencies of any strange movement or suspected evil herbalist in their community.
A member of the board, Alhaji Ajisope Aroyewun, pointed out that 70 per cent of culprits arrested and interrogated by the Police had no connection with certified herbalists or traditionalists.
Also, Alhaji Adetunji Kalejaye, the Director of Administration and Supplies, Ministry of Youth and Sports, commended efforts of Gov. Dapo Abiodun at ensuring that culprits of human rituals were punished in accordance with the law.
Kalejaye promised that the ministry would continue to engage youths in fruitful and meaningful ventures. (NAN)