20-Year-Old Woman Allegedly Killed in Suspected Ritual Killing in Senegal

A 20-year-old woman, Ndèye Bigué Sène, has allegedly been killed in Tivaouane, Senegal, in a suspected ritual killing linked to an alleged quest for wealth.

The suspect, identified as B. Ndiaye, a traditional spiritual practitioner and former fisherman, was arrested by officers from the Tivaouane urban police station after the discovery of the young woman’s body.

According to local media reports, Ndiaye allegedly confessed to the killing during questioning, claiming that another practitioner, known as “Coulibaly”, instructed him to find a young virgin, administer an unidentified substance to her, collect her blood and kill her.

Ndèye had reportedly travelled to Tivaouane to attend the Gamou religious celebrations. Her body was discovered in a bush on Saturday, August 22, with several injuries.

Reports said she had allegedly been stabbed four times with a “naw-naw”, a type of knife, before being strangled.

Investigators are also looking into the relationship between the victim and the suspect. According to reports, Ndiaye had previously provided spiritual services to Ndèye while she was preparing for her 2026 baccalaureate examinations.

Although she reportedly failed to obtain the qualification, the two were said to have remained in contact.

Police believe Ndiaye later contacted the young woman and arranged to meet her. She reportedly left her home at about 8pm on Friday, August 21, but failed to return.

Her body was found the following afternoon.

Investigators reportedly traced the suspect through neighbourhood inquiries and mobile phone records. When confronted with the evidence, he allegedly confessed to killing Ndèye but denied allegations that he sexually assaulted her.

An autopsy is expected to establish whether the victim was sexually assaulted and provide further details about the circumstances surrounding her death.

Ndiaye remains in police custody as investigations continue, while authorities work to establish the full circumstances of the alleged killing and whether anyone else was involved.