By Maria Famakinwa

|

The rate at which female body parts are being hunted for ritual purposes has assumed a frightening dimension, fuelling fears that the female gender is becoming an endangered specie. Hardly a month passes, without news of women falling victim to ritualists, who often disguise themselves on Facebook while pretending to seek casual sex in exchange for money.

What is more alarming is that despite increasing reports of deaths among “hook-up” victims on social media, many ladies continue to engage in the practice, blaming the harsh economic conditions for their behaviour. The prevalence of such heinous acts highlights a dangerous trend shaping the society we live in today. The rising number of deaths and crimes linked to “hook-up” culture is deeply troubling. How some women neglect their safety to meet unknown, so-called lovers on Facebook raises serious concerns about whether lessons are being learnt from the experiences of past victims.

The gruesome murder of 35-year old Adijat Solomon early last year by Adebayo Azeez and seven others, who lured her through a “hook-up” platform in Ogun State, should have served as a bitter lesson for other ladies. Yet, the “hook-up” trend continues this year, with many ladies losing their lives under similar circumstances. Azeez confessed during interrogation by the Ogun State Police Command that he had lured at least seven women to their untimely deaths through a social media platform.

In February this year, another traumatic report emerged of a final-year student at the Kwara State College of Education, Hafson Yetunde Lawal, who was killed and dismembered by a 29-year old Islamic teacher, Abdulraman Bello, whom she met through social media. Similarly, the untimely death of 24-year old Salome Adaidu, killed by her alleged boyfriend, Timilehin Ajayi, who severed her head and dismembered her body for suspected ritual purposes, remains hard to believe. Likewise, the Ogun State Police Command reported arresting two brothers, Taiwo and Kehinde Yemitan, for killing and dismembering a woman, Darasimi, whom they lured through social media for a “hook-up”. The list is endless, as ritualists continue to pose as suitors on social media, preying on “hook-up” ladies.

The Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, during an interview on “hook-up” last year, revealed that young women aged 20 to 32 are the most affected. She added that many young people, especially males, believe that ritual killing is a way to become wealthy.

Odutola said: “This particular menace is very serious, and I would like a lot of young people to understand the danger in the hookup culture. Today, we have lots of reports of missing persons. Our investigation has shown that no fewer than 10 young girls and ladies go missing daily.

“In-depth investigations also reveal that those cases are not accidents. Most of them are connected to “hook up” channels and apps. They fall victim to strangers who casually invite them to unknown places, and eventually fall victim to being used for ritual purposes.”

She added, “This stems from the misguided belief among young people that ritual killings can lead to wealth. Some of these unscrupulous individuals convince others to obtain human skulls or body parts, which are then used in concoctions believed to bring riches. The hook-up culture is particularly common among young women between the ages of 20 and 32. Many get involved because they believe they are not receiving enough support from their parents, and are drawn in by the get-rich-quick mentality.”

A parent, Mr Adewale Adeolu, observed that the economic downturn has led some parents to remain silent even when their children, who have no legitimate sources of income, spend extravagantly. He reminded parents that they are custodians of their children and will one day be accountable for how they raised them.

Adeolu advised young ladies to be content with what their parents can provide and not be swayed by promises of easy money. He said, “Ladies must not forget that the society we live in makes them vulnerable, and they must do everything possible to protect themselves.

“All that glitters is not gold. Engaging in ‘hook-ups’ for survival is the shortest route to the grave. Most ‘hook-up’ victims who narrowly escaped ritualists pretending to be lovers have horrific stories to tell. I have watched gruesome videos of ladies lured via social media, only to be killed and dismembered. These tragic stories constantly remind me of how vulnerable women are in our society. I urge female students on campuses and elsewhere to take life one step at a time, be content with what their parents can provide, and remember that their dreams can only be realised if they are alive. No matter how difficult any situation may be, there will surely be light at the end of the tunnel.”

A teacher and counsellor, Mrs Adejumoke Ilori, decried the increasing number of lives lost due to hook-up arrangements. She lamented that the recurring incidents of rape and murder of young ladies under the guise of fake love must be urgently addressed at all levels of government.

According to her, condemning these acts is not enough, the government must take action to bring perpetrators to justice. She said: “It appears some parents are asleep and need to wake up to save their children’s future. Families form the foundation of society, and parental roles in this regard cannot be overemphasised. We need the type of parents we had in the 1970s and 1980s, those who cared deeply about the company their children kept. Back then, children could not bring home anything their parents didn’t buy. Those parents prioritised morals and the future of their children. That cannot be said of many parents today, some of whom encourage their children to bring in items without asking questions. Some even collect money from their female children they know are not gainfully employed.

While not all parents are guilty, some are. Some families survive on money earned through their daughters’ hook-up activities. They are compromising their children’s future due to economic hardship. That is why I am calling on parents to be more involved in what their children do (males and females) and ensure that  they are on the right path, so that they will not fall prey to ritualists disguising to be lovers.”