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
-
Queenmother calls on President-elect Mahama to appoint more women in his government
1 hour -
Atletico Madrid beat Barcelona to go top of La Liga
1 hour -
Usyk breaks Fury’s heart with points win in rematch
1 hour -
Ghana-Russia Centre to run Russian language courses in Ghana
7 hours -
The Hidden Costs of Hunger: How food insecurity undermines mental and physical health in the U.S.
7 hours -
18plus4NDC marks 3rd anniversary with victory celebration in Accra
10 hours -
CREMA workshop highlights collaborative efforts to sustain Akata Lagoon
10 hours -
2024/25 Ghana League: Heart of Lions remain top with win over Basake Holy Stars
11 hours -
Black Queens: Nora Hauptle shares cryptic WAFCON preparation message amid future uncertainty
12 hours -
Re-declaration of parliamentary results affront to our democracy – Joyce Bawah
12 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Vision FC score late to deny Young Apostles third home win
12 hours -
Enhancing community initiatives for coastal resilience: Insights from Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site Workshop
12 hours -
Family Health University College earns a Presidential Charter
12 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Bibiani GoldStars beat Nsoatreman to keep title race alive
12 hours -
GPL 2024/25 Bechem United keep title hopes alive with narrow win over FC Samartex
13 hours