Metro
Many Cases of Missing Young Women in Nigeria Are Connected with Hookups and Ritual Killings – POLICE

The Nigerian Police Force has said that many cases of missing young women and girls killed for money ritual purposes are connected to hookup culture sweeping across the country.
The spokesperson of Ogun State Command, SP Omolola Odutola, revealed this on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, when she was featured on Channels Television’s Morning Brief.
Speaking during the discussion on “Hookup Culture: Impact on Youth Values and Relationships,” Odutola revealed that young girls and women within the age range of 20 to 32 are the most affected.
She added that many young people, especially males, believe that ritual killings are a way to become wealthy.
“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. By the time we start an investigation, not less than 10 young girls and ladies go missing daily,” the PPRO stated.
“In-depth investigations also reveal that those cases are not by accidents. Most of them are connected to hookup channels and apps. They fall victim to strangers who causally invite them to unknown places, and eventually fall victim to being used for ritual purposes
“Most cases of missing girls and ritual killings occurring in Ogun State of recent, I would like to say that it is not new. But as much as possible, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police has been able to tame these ugly incidents.
“It stems from the ugly perspective of young persons who believe that ritual killing could enrich them. We have some of these unscrupulous elements who deceive young people to get human skulls or human body parts, which they use for some kind of concoction to get them rich
“That is why we are having advocacy and sensitization, to enlighten young persons to make them understand that engaging in ritual killings does not in any way make them rich,” she said.
She stated that the police command is collaborating closely with the State Women Affairs Commission to tackle and curb the menace.
“The Ogun State government, particularly the Women Affairs Commission works in tandem with the police command by providing counselling session
Metro
Gunmen storm University of Benin teaching hospital, kill doctor

Unknown gunmen have reportedly shot dead a doctor on duty at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Edo state.
The victim, simply identified as Dr. Alex, was said to be in the physiotherapy department inside the health facility when the tragic incident occurred.
Following the shooting, it was gathered that there was confusion in the hospital as healthy workers and patients scampered for safety.
The incident was said to have occurred on Friday, but became public knowledge after health workers protested the gruesome killing of their colleague inside the hospital facility.
The workers brandished various placards to register their displeasure over the incident.
The hospital’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Joshua Uwaila, confirmed the killing on Tuesday.
Uwaila said: “A physiotherapist with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital was shot dead on Friday.
“The authority of the hospital has reported the matter to the security agencies and are awaiting the outcome of their findings.”
Blueprint reports that the killing occurred amid renewed cult clashes between members of the notorious Black Axe and Maphites confraternity groups.
A member of the Edo State Security Corps, an Estate developer and three others are said to have been feared dead between Thursday and Monday.
The Edo state police spokesman, CSP. Moses Yamu, was yet to respond to the developments as at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the Edo state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed deep concern over the resurgence of cult-related violence in some parts of the state .
In a statement issued by his apecial adviser on Media and Publicity, Bugie Okhuemoi, the governor directed security agencies to move in decisively against papetrators.
The statement noted, “The Governor had made it abundantly clear that the State would no longer tolerate the senseless killing of our youths and the destabilization of our communities.
“Regrettably, recent developments indicate that some individuals and groups have chosen to defy that understanding.
“This administration remains unshaken in its commitment to rid Edo State of cultism, criminality, and all threats to peace and order.
“We urge all law-abiding residents to remain calm and continue with their daily activities.
“The security agencies are fully mobilised and working around the clock to restore and maintain peace.”
Metro
FCTA destroys 601 motorbikes over violations

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has destroyed 601 impounded motorcycles in Abuja, in a move to reinforce traffic regulations and address security concerns.
Mandate Secretary for Transport in FCTA, Dr. Elechi Chinedum, explained that the exercise carried out on Tuesday by the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) was in compliance with the regulation of the FCT.
“The most recent regulation, effective from January 1, 2023, was signed into law by the immediate-past administration of Mohammed Bello. Using motorbikes in certain areas is against the law, and today we are here to enforce that,” the mandate secretary said.
Chinedum emphasised the importance of following the law, saying, “All laws are made, and people take it upon themselves to violate the law. Initially, it was about aesthetics for the FCT, but now it concerns security and criminality. The DRTS is here to enforce regulations and ensure safety.
“If you have a motorcycle at home, we’re not coming after you. However, if you bring it into a prohibited area, we will impound it. We will continue to enforce the law, and if there are defaulters, we will be relentless,” he said.
The head of DRTS, Dr Abdulateef Bello, also highlighted the ongoing ban on commercial motorcycles initiated in 2006 as a measure to curb traffic abuses.
“This exercise supports the existing ban on the use of commercial motorcycles in the Federal Capital City,” he said. Adding, “Today, we are sending a message to those still investing in this business: think twice, as we will continue to impound and crush motorcycles forfeited by the court”.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, FCT Command, Mode Magawata, stressed the criminal implications associated with motorcycles.
“We cannot fold our hands. These motorcycles are often used in crimes, including armed robbery and kidnappings.
“The minister emphasises that there should be no motorcycles in restricted areas, and we are here to ensure that the law is enforced,” Magawata said.
Metro
Man commits suicide after wife’s death in Niger

A young man identified as Stephen Moses has reportedly committed suicide after the death of his youngest wife in Ikumi Village, Shako District, Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State,
Sources told Daily Trust that Stephen, 30, had battled mental and emotional health challenges since the death of his second wife in March this year.
Sources said he had constantly stated that he could not have a comfortable life without his late wife.
Daily Trust gathered that he used his dane gun with which he hunted to kill himself on his farm.
One of the sources said he left behind his first wife and two children.
Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust.
He said the incident happened on April 24, 2025.
According to him “On 24th April, 2025 at about 8pm, report received that one Stephen Moses 30yrs of Ikumi village via Shako District of Gawu-Babangida, Gurara LGA earlier around afternoon period shot himself on the chest with a Dane gun in his farm.
“Police operatives of Gawu-Babangida Div visited the scene, found a Dane gun and the body on the ground, corpse was taken to the hospital while preliminary findings revealed that the deceased was mourning the death of his wife who recently passed on, and has been threatening to commit suicide, and his relatives didn’t inform the Police for preventive measure”.
-
News14 hours ago
A Chat with Janet Odio Okolo: A Mother’s Journey Raising a Child with Down Syndrome
-
News21 hours ago
Alleged money laundering: EFCC produces Aisha Achimugu in court
-
News23 hours ago
JUST IN: Major General Paul Ufuoma Omu Rtd, dies at 84
-
News23 hours ago
Tinubu hails Dangote’s World Bank appointment
-
News17 hours ago
Hon. Dennis Agbo Resigns From Labour Party
-
News16 hours ago
Just in: Osun PDP receives defectors from APC, others
-
News21 hours ago
CBN announces revised documentation requirements for PAPSS transactions
-
News21 hours ago
Reps Set Stage for Nigeria’s First Legislative Conference on Renewable Energy