The Nigerian Police Force has raised alarm over the increasing connection between ritual killings and the growing hookup culture among young women.
The warning was issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Omolola Odutola, who disclosed the disturbing trend during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief.
Addressing the issue of “Hookup Culture: Impact on Youth Values and Relationships,” Odutola revealed that young women, particularly those aged 20 to 32, are being targeted for ritual killings, with many of the cases involving the use of hookup platforms.
“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 disclosed.
She further explained that most of these disappearances are not accidents but are linked to ritual practices.
Many of the victims, she said, are deceived by strangers through hookup apps or social media platforms, leading them to dangerous locations where they become victims of ritual killings.
“These cases are often connected to hookup channels and apps, where girls are invited to unknown places and fall prey to ritualists,” she added.
The police spokeswoman pointed out that while ritual killings are not new to Ogun State, they have been exacerbated by the belief among some young people that engaging in such practices could bring wealth.
“We have some of these unscrupulous elements who deceive young people to get human skulls or body parts, which they use for some kind of concoction to get rich,” she explained.
Odutola urged youths to resist the temptation of quick wealth and highlighted the efforts of the Ogun State Police Command and the State Women Affairs Commission to address the issue.
“The Ogun State government, particularly the Women Affairs Commission, works in tandem with the police command by providing counselling sessions,” she said
