The Nigerian Police Force has raised concerns over the increasing connection between the growing hookup culture in the country and incidents of missing girls and ritual killings. Speaking during a discussion on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, highlighted the alarming trend, particularly among young women aged 20 to 32.
Odutola explained that hookup culture, characterized by casual sexual encounters without emotional commitment, has inadvertently created a breeding ground for criminal activities. Many victims are lured through hookup channels and apps into unsafe situations, where they are abducted or killed for ritual purposes.
The police spokesperson revealed that daily reports of missing girls are often linked to hookup culture. “In-depth investigations show these incidents are rarely accidental. Many victims are contacted by strangers, invited to unknown locations, and ultimately used for ritual practices,” she said. The belief that ritual killings can lead to wealth, especially among young men, continues to fuel these heinous acts.
Odutola also credited the Ogun State Commissioner of Police for efforts to curtail such activities but emphasized the need for sustained advocacy and public sensitization. She urged young people to reject the false narratives surrounding ritual killings and wealth acquisition.
The Ogun State Police Command is collaborating with the Women Affairs Commission to combat this menace. Efforts include counseling for victims and mental health support for survivors who escape ritual attempts. Odutola stressed that addressing underlying issues, such as financial struggles and peer pressure, is crucial in reducing the prevalence of hookup culture among young women.
Development expert Dorothy Njemanze, who joined the discussion from Abuja, called for improved security and a robust mandatory reporting system to address predatory behavior. She criticized societal tendencies to blame victims rather than confront the root causes of the issue.
Njemanze also pointed out that hookup culture is not inherently evil, noting that some healthy relationships have emerged from such connections. However, she warned that the broader predatory environment, especially involving children, requires immediate attention. “We need proactive law enforcement and a strong reporting culture. Bad actors plan meticulously, and the police must be prepared to act swiftly,” she said.
Both experts agreed that while adults have the autonomy to make personal decisions, society must ensure that safety mechanisms are in place to protect vulnerable individuals. They emphasized the importance of informing someone about one’s whereabouts and fostering a culture of vigilance and accountability.
The discussion sheds light on the urgent need to tackle the dangers posed by hookup culture, address societal pressures on youths, and strengthen law enforcement’s capacity to respond effectively.
