Initiation slaughter continues despite crackdowns

Bleak numbers of initiation season As of 12 July 2026, a total of 35 initiates had lost their lives, 12 abductions had been reported, 58 illegal initiation schools were opened, 42 of these have been closed, 180 initiates have been rescued, 75 have been hospitalised, three assault cases and one injury have been reported, while law enforcement agencies have opened 150 criminal cases, resulting in 40 arrests.

The 2026 winter initiation season is no different, with a death toll of at least 43 initiates, more than 100 criminal cases linked to illegal initiation practices opened and dozens of illegal initiation schools shut down.

Illegal initiation schools Madolo II lamented that despite all these interventions, by the middle of almost every initiation season, headlines once again focus on death tolls rather than successful cultural ceremonies.