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Lagos, Nigeria, October 28, 2025 - A former President of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), Bishop Dr. Kortu K. Brown, has called on faith leaders across Africa to unite and launch a continent-wide campaign to eradicate ritualistic killings and human sacrifice. Bishop Brown made the call on Friday, October 24, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria, during the Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking, a two-day event organized by the Sudreau Global Justice Institute at Pepperdine University (California, USA) in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. The theme of the colloquium was “A United Front Against Ritual Abuse and Sacrifice.” Speaking during the fourth session, which explored the role of faith leaders and civil society in combating ritual abuse, Bishop Brown emphasized that the practice has deep spiritual and cultural roots in Africa but must be confronted through coordinated religious action. “This is a serious fight, and it is as old as Africa itself,” Bishop Brown noted. “If we must address it, we must properly mobilize and organize religious leaders across the continent to lead campaigns at regional, national, and community levels to stop ritualistic killings and human sacrifice.” He reminded participants that both the Bible and the Quran condemn the shedding of innocent blood, referencing Proverbs 31:8 9, which urges believers to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves and defend the rights of the poor and needy. When asked why ritual abuse persists in nations with large Christian and Muslim populations, Bishop Brown attributed it to a lack of complete faith in God and the influence of traditional beliefs. “One of the elements of culture that triggers ritual abuse and sacrifice is the belief that these acts bring benefits,” he said. “Many people still believe ritual killings can bring them wealth, success, children, or political power.” Citing Liberia as an example, Bishop Brown lamented that reports of ritual killings often resurface during election periods. “People want power, but they want to use the blood of others’ children to get it. This is wrong,” he stressed. “Religious leaders must rise across the continent to challenge these practices through community sensitization, reframing beliefs, and supporting victims.” The organizers, including Prof. Cameron McCollum, Executive Director of the Sudreau Global Justice Institute, and Hon. Lawal Pedro (SAN, FCIArb), Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, said the event marked a critical moment for Africa’s collective fight against human trafficking and ritual abuse. They expressed hope that the discussions would inspire stronger collaboration among faith leaders, advocates, and policymakers. Editing by Jonathan Browne
