The Nigerian Police Force has identified a troubling connection between the rising hookup culture and cases of missing young women, many of whom have reportedly fallen victim to ritual killings.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Wednesday, spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command Omolola Odutola highlighted that women aged between 20 and 32 are most affected by this growing menace.
Odutola revealed that, on average, at least 10 young women go missing daily, with investigations showing links to hookup apps and casual arrangements with strangers.
“In-depth investigations also reveal that those cases are not by accidents. Most of them are connected to hookup channels and apps. They fall victim to strangers who causally invite them to unknown places, and eventually fall victim to being used for ritual purposes,” Odutola explained.
She further noted that the belief in ritual killings as a means to wealth has gained traction among certain young men, fueling a rise in these incidents.
“We have some of these unscrupulous elements who deceive young people to get human skulls or human body parts, which they use for some kind of concoction to get them rich,” she added.
Odutola highlighted the efforts of the Ogun State police commissioner in addressing these incidents, noting increased advocacy and sensitisation campaigns aimed at educating the youth.
Ogun State Women Affairs Commission is also working closely with the police to provide counselling and mental health support for victims who escape such incidents.
Odutola linked the prevalence of hookup culture among young women to financial struggles and societal pressures.
The police emphasised the importance of public awareness and urged parents, communities and institutions to play active roles in educating and protecting young people from these dangers.
