Killers dismember Nigerian woman

Killers in search of body parts to make magic charms hacked up a woman and severely injured two girls on remote farmland in central Nigeria, police said yesterday.

Scores of people fled villages in the Oju district of Benue state, as word of the killing spread, prompting authorities to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew.

Two girls who were with the woman also suffered deep machete cuts but survived the attack and are recovering in a local hospital. Killing for rituals is common in Nigeria, where many believe witchcraft involving the use of human organs can make them instant millionaires or provide protection. Nigerian sorcerers often use human genitals, eyes, tongues and skulls to make charms.