Police Urge Caution as Hookup Culture is Linked to Missing Persons and Ritual Killings
The Nigerian Police Force has identified a disturbing connection between the rising cases of missing young women, ritual killings, and the growing hookup culture in the country.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Omolola Odutola, young women aged 20 to 32 are the most affected by this trend. Odutola revealed that many cases of missing persons, particularly young women, are linked to hookup channels and apps.
She explained that these individuals often fall victim to strangers who invite them to unknown places, where they are eventually used for ritual purposes. “In-depth investigations have shown that these cases are not isolated incidents, but rather a disturbing pattern of events,” Odutola said.
The police have attributed the rise in ritual killings to the misconception among young people, particularly males, that ritual killings can lead to wealth and prosperity.
Odutola emphasized that the police are working to educate young people about the dangers of engaging in such activities. “We are collaborating with the State Women Affairs Commission to tackle this menace and provide counseling sessions to victims,” she said.
The hookup culture, which refers to casual sexual relationships without emotional attachment or long-term commitment, has been identified as a contributing factor to the rise in missing persons cases and ritual killings.
While some argue that hookup culture is a step forward for women’s freedom and empowerment, others believe it can harm the development of healthy and meaningful relationships.
“The hookup culture is prevalent among young girls between the ages of 20 to about 32 years,” Odutola said. “The reason they get involved in this menace is because they feel they don’t get enough from their parents, and then the get-rich syndrome.”
The police are urging young people to be cautious when engaging in online interactions and to avoid meeting strangers in isolated locations. By raising awareness about the dangers of hookup culture and ritual killings, the police hope to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety and well-being of young people in the country.
As Odutola noted, “We want to educate young people about the dangers of engaging in these activities and to encourage them to make informed decisions about their lives.”