The Nigeria Police Force has raised concerns about the increasing number of missing young women in the country, linking many cases to ritual practices and the rise of hookup culture. Omolola Odutola, the Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Police Command, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, emphasizing the need for young people to understand the dangers of these practices.
Odutola revealed that most victims, primarily women aged between 20 and 32, are lured by strangers through hookup platforms and apps. These interactions often lead to tragic outcomes, with some victims falling into the hands of individuals involved in ritual killings. According to her, the police receive numerous reports of missing persons daily, and investigations frequently uncover connections to the hookup culture and ritualistic activities. She further explained that perpetrators exploit young men by propagating the false belief that human sacrifice can bring them wealth.
The Ogun State has been particularly affected, with recent incidents linking ritual killings to this troubling trend. Odutola assured that the state’s police command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, is working to address the situation. She added that efforts to apprehend those involved and prevent such occurrences are ongoing.
The police command has also partnered with the Ogun State Women Affairs Commission to provide counseling for survivors and launch public awareness campaigns. These initiatives aim to educate young people about the risks of engaging in hookup culture and highlight the dangers of ritual killings.
Odutola noted that hookup culture, often characterized by casual and non-committal sexual relationships, has gained popularity among young people seeking financial independence or quick wealth. She attributed this trend to financial pressures and a lack of adequate support for young women.
The police continue to stress the importance of rejecting harmful practices and encourage ethical and safe paths to achieving success. Collaborative efforts are underway to combat this issue and protect vulnerable individuals from falling victim to ritual killings.
