Tragedy in Edo: Teenage Boy Dies After Testing "Bulletproof" Charm in Ritual Gone Wrong

 

Iyamu Village, Edo State — What began as a misguided attempt to test a “bulletproof” charm has ended in tragedy for a Nigerian family, as 14-year-old Okonkwo Obinna Emmanuel lost his life after participating in a ritual carried out by a self-styled native doctor and his alleged accomplice.

The incident, which occurred on April 2, 2025, in Iyamu village, part of the Illushi community in the Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State, has left many in shock and mourning.

According to reports obtained from a reliable source who spoke under the condition of anonymity, the teenager had been subjected to a ritual orchestrated by one Amechi Edozunor—a self-acclaimed spiritualist—and his associate, Kelvin Ugru. The duo allegedly promised the minor that the charm would render him immune to physical attacks, particularly from glass bottles.

As part of the so-called bulletproof charm ritual, the suspects reportedly struck Emmanuel’s head with a glass bottle to demonstrate the efficacy of the enchantment. The blow proved fatal. The charm failed, and Emmanuel suffered a serious head injury that required immediate medical attention.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital where medical personnel made efforts to save him. Unfortunately, despite days of treatment, the young boy succumbed to his injuries on April 5, 2025.

The incident was brought to the attention of the police by the deceased's elder brother, Okonkwo Onyenbuchi, who reported the matter, prompting a swift response from law enforcement authorities.

The Edo State Police Command has since arrested both suspects—Amechi Edozunor and Kelvin Ugru—who are now in police custody pending further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the teen’s death. The remains of Emmanuel have been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for autopsy as part of the ongoing probe.

The tragic episode has sparked a flurry of reactions from the local community, with many expressing disbelief that such archaic beliefs and dangerous practices continue to claim lives, particularly among the youth.

Inquiries made to the Edo State Police Command were met with a brief response from the Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, who stated, “Just give me some minutes; I will get back to you.” However, as of the time this report was filed, there had been no follow-up communication from the police spokesperson.

This heart-wrenching incident throws into sharp relief the dangers of superstitious practices and the urgent need for awareness campaigns to educate young Nigerians and their families about the risks involved in attempting to use unverified traditional charms for protection or power.

As the investigation continues, the community of Illushi waits anxiously for justice and clarity on how such a young life could be lost under such horrifying circumstances.