Bilateral Enucleation for Ritual Purposes - A Case Report

Abstract

In Nigeria, irrespective of religious affiliation and literacy level, majority of individuals' beliefs are centered on superstitions. There is a strong conviction, even though not evidence based that magical portions prepared with human parts can enhance ones political, financial fortunes, protection against business failures, sickness and diseases, accidents and spiritual attacks. Thus ritual killing is perceived as act of spiritual fortification. The management of this case was in the eye unit of a tertiary Health Centre of Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Benue State, We present a 67-year male farmer, who lost both eyes sequel to attack from unknown persons (ritualists) who used sharp objects (knives/daggers) to forcefully remove his eyes in a village called Jato-Aka in Benue State, Nigeria. He was hospitalized in a Mission Hospital for four days from where he was referred to this unit; he presented to the unit nine days post-injury. He had orbital exploration done the next day which revealed remnant of sclera tissue and blood clots, right full thickness upper lids lacerations and left avulsed upper lid laceration. The lids were repaired using 6/0 silk under local anesthesia after evacuating the clots and removing of the sclera remnants . He had several sessions of psychological work - up was discharged on the 7th post-operation day and relocated to Old People's Home pending his onward referral for visual rehabilitation. There is an urgent need for an international campaign to end this horrifying, murderous and stone-age practice in this twenty-first century. Much public health education is needed to save these victims from untold miseries.

Keywords – Blindness, Ritual killing, Spiritual guidance, International campaign