Ghana: Missing toddler found dead after 'witchcraft murder'

Ghana: Missing toddler found dead after 'witchcraft murder'

2011-12-14 18:16:41 GMT+7 (ICT)

KUMASI, GHANA (BNO NEWS) -- Police in south-central Ghana have discovered the body of a toddler who went missing late last week while visiting a hairdresser, local media reported on Wednesday. She was apparently the victim of a brutal witchcraft murder.

The three-year-old girl, only identified as Akosua, went missing in the town of Abrepo in the Ashanti region on Saturday after her aunt took her to a salon to braid her hair. Her aunt left her alone with the hairdresser but the toddler disappeared when she went outside to urinate.

According to the Daily Guide newspaper, Akosua's body was found by joggers near a building under construction on early Sunday morning. The victim was found in a pool of blood with her legs spread open and her vagina as well as parts of her mouth completely removed.

It was not immediately clear who was behind the brutal murder, but police suspect the killing was part of a witchcraft ritual known locally as 'juju.' Police had made no arrests as of Wednesday, according to the newspaper.

Juju is still practiced among some groups in West Africa.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-12-14