Most missing girls cases, ritual killings in Nigeria connected with hookups — Police

The Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Omolola Odutola, highlighted during an interview today that young women aged 20 to 32 are particularly vulnerable to this issue.

The hookup culture promotes casual sexual encounters, such as one-night stands, without emotional attachment or long-term commitment.

The idea of casual, non-romantic sexual encounters has been around since the 1920s.

While some social critics view hooking up as a feminist achievement, others express concern that it undermines healthy intimate relationships.

The culture can also be gender-biased, with women facing harsher judgments than men, often labeled derogatorily if they engage with multiple partners or go too far on a first encounter.

Odutola emphasized the seriousness of this issue, stating, “I want young people to understand the dangers of the hookup culture. We receive numerous reports of missing persons, with at least 10 young women disappearing each day. Investigations indicate that these cases are often not accidental; many are linked to hookup platforms and apps, where victims are lured by strangers to unknown locations and subsequently exploited for ritual purposes.”

She noted that many young individuals, particularly males, believe that ritual killings can lead to wealth.

“The recent cases of missing girls and ritual killings in Ogun State are not new, but the Ogun State Commissioner of Police has been working to address these disturbing incidents. The belief that ritual killings can bring wealth is prevalent among some young people, who are often deceived into providing human remains for various rituals.”

To combat this issue, advocacy and awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate young people about the dangers of ritual killings.

The Ogun State Police Command is collaborating with the Women Affairs Commission to tackle the problem effectively.

“The Ogun State government, particularly the Women Affairs Commission, is working alongside the police to provide counseling sessions. In cases where girls escape from rituals, we have established support systems to help them cope with the mental health challenges and anxiety they may experience,” she explained.

Odutola pointed out that the hookup culture is particularly common among young women aged 20 to 32, who may feel financially unsupported by their families and are drawn to the allure of quick wealth.

Development expert Dorothy Njemanze, who joined the discussion from Abuja, urged the Nigerian Police to enhance security measures and promote a culture of reporting suspicious activities to address these crimes.

Njemanze said, “Many predatory behaviors have long existed in society, yet we often make excuses instead of confronting them. Harm can occur whether one stays at home or goes out. While hookups can lead to healthy relationships, my concern is that children are being lured into dangerous situations. Every state should implement a mandatory reporting system for suspicious activities.”

She emphasized the need for law enforcement to act proactively.

“Criminals often plan meticulously to gain their victims’ trust, minimizing the chances of being caught. The police should be prepared to intervene swiftly to prevent harm.

“Regardless of the circumstances, whether at parties or other venues, it is crucial to ensure that someone knows your whereabouts when going out,” she added, highlighting the importance of awareness and caution in navigating the hookup culture, which disproportionately affects women.