Police in the north-western Nigerian state of Zamfara says they have arrested four people allegedly involved in cannibalism and selling human organs - a rare phenomenon in the region.
The suspects were arrested after detectives found a corpse in an uncompleted building with some body parts missing, Ayuba Elkanah, the state’s commissioner of police told journalists on Thursday.
The discovery happened during an investigation into the disappearance of a nine-year-old boy.
The suspects, two men and two teenage boys, were arrested last week, Mr Elkanah said, adding that other members of the gang were being tracked down.
The police chief said investigations had revealed that the alleged ring leader had on two occasions paid the other suspects N500,000 ($1,200; £880) for the human parts.
Zamfara is one of the states worst hit by a wave of killings and kidnappings for ransom, with authorities facing criticism for failing to tackle the violence.
Last week, about 200 people were reportedly killed during a series of raids on several villages in the state.
Latest Stories
-
Korle Bu blames high taxes, removal of subsidies for 100% hike in dialysis cost
12 mins -
Akufo-Addo presiding over party indiscipline with Nana B, others misbehaving – Amoako Baah
31 mins -
2024 World University Rankings: UCC remains best university in Ghana, 1st in West Africa
47 mins -
I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to openly criticise the government – Alan Kyerematen
49 mins -
David Walliams sues company behind Britain’s Got Talent
1 hour -
Here’s how much patients now pay for dialysis at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital
1 hour -
Over 1,400 dead, 10,000 injured in road crashes since January
1 hour -
2023/24 GPL: Medeama coach Evans Adotey blames absence of key players for Aduana defeat
1 hour -
Farmers trained in best poultry management practices
2 hours -
France’s ambassador flies out of Niger after row
2 hours -
Bond market: Total market turnover reaches 30-week high to ¢605.69m
2 hours -
Industrialisation – a solution to Ghana’s galamsey menace, the ‘Ekumfi Juice Initiative’
2 hours -
‘Maye Krado’ hitmaker Harry Abban back with ‘Otilo’
2 hours -
Nancy Sam honoured at Africa Events Awards
3 hours -
Ali Jara, Kufuor, others honoured at Predecessors Awards – Africa edition
3 hours