The Nigerian Police Force has raised alarm over the rising number of young women and girls who go missing, often due to ritualistic practices tied to the country’s growing hookup culture. This warning comes amid concerns about the dangers posed by casual, non-committed sexual relationships, commonly known as “hookups.”
According to Omolola Odutola, the Public Relations Officer for the Ogun State Police Command, many of these disappearances occur after young women, particularly those aged 20 to 32, meet strangers at parties or through hookup apps. “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,” she said, adding that most of these cases are connected to ritualistic killings.
The term “hookup” refers to a social phenomenon where women engage in one-night stands or casual sexual encounters with people they’ve just met, often without long-term emotional connections. While some view it as a sign of progress or independence, it has also raised concerns about safety and exploitation. In Nigeria, many believe ritual killings can bring wealth, leading to dangerous situations where women fall prey to individuals seeking human body parts for rituals.
Odutola explained that some men deceive young women by promising wealth and quick riches through ritual killings, which often involve acquiring human body parts. These disturbing practices have been on the rise, particularly in Ogun State, where ritual killings have become more common. The police have ramped up efforts to tackle this crime, including working closely with the Women Affairs Commission to provide counseling for victims and survivors.
Despite the troubling trend, Odutola emphasized the importance of awareness and communication. “The hookup culture is prevalent among young girls because they feel they don’t get enough from their parents and are influenced by the get-rich syndrome,” she noted, urging young people to understand the dangers involved.
In a separate comment, Development expert Dorothy Njemanze pointed out that while many healthy marriages in Nigeria are formed through hookups, the predation system now extends to children. She urged the Nigerian Police to strengthen security measures and establish a mandatory reporting system for suspicious activities. Njemanze stressed the importance of proactive law enforcement to ensure safety and reduce harm to vulnerable individuals.
As these cases highlight the darker side of the hookup culture, both police and social commentators call for greater awareness and responsibility in dealing with the dangers it presents.
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