Abiku

The Abiku is a West African demon that tempts children away from home so that it may devour them.

The Abiku has no stomach and eats constantly, but it will never know true satisfaction. It is able to dissolve itself into a cloud of smoke, and the demon uses this ability to gain entry into houses in order to feed on newborns.

Some legends seem to indicate that the Abiku is a vampiric spirit that feeds on the lifeforce of living brings (whether that be humans or animals), which usually kills the victim. The Abiku may be banished or repelled by iron, salt, amulets (forged of iron, copper, or silver), or greater spirits.