The Nigerian Police Force has revealed a troubling connection between ritual killings and the growing prevalence of hookup culture, with young women aged 20 to 32 being the most affected demographic.
Sharing these findings on Channels Television’s Morning Brief,Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Omolola Odutola, durin a discussion titled “Hookup Culture: Impact on Youth Values and Relationships,” Odutola highlighted the role of hookup platforms and apps in facilitating such crimes.
“Today, we have lots of reports of missing persons. By the time we start an investigation, not less than 10 young girls and ladies go missing daily,” Odutola said.
She added, “In-depth investigations reveal that these cases are often linked to hookup channels and apps. Victims are lured by strangers to unknown locations and then fall prey to ritual killings.”
The Ogun State Police Command is collaborating with the State Women Affairs Commission to address the issue through advocacy, counseling, and mental health support for survivors.
Odutola explained,”Whenever we have cases such as this, if the girls escape the rituals, we provide proper counseling and help them recover from the mental health distress and anxiety they might have faced.”
She also emphasized ongoing sensitization efforts to discourage young people from engaging in ritual killings, warning that such practices do not lead to wealth.
Hookup culture, characterized by casual sexual encounters without long-term commitment, has grown increasingly prevalent among young Nigerians.
While some argue that it represents freedom and empowerment, critics highlight its potential to harm the development of meaningful relationships and increase vulnerability to exploitation.
Odutola noted that economic pressures and the “get-rich-quick syndrome” often drive young women to participate in the hookup culture.
She stated, “The reason they get involved in this menace is because they feel they don’t get enough from their parents.”
The Ogun State Police Command has commended the proactive steps taken by the Ogun State Commissioner of Police and the Women Affairs Commission in curbing these incidents.
The collaboration aims to raise awareness and protect vulnerable individuals from falling victim to this alarming trend.
