Grim tales of tragic endings linked to ‘hook-up’ culture are increasingly flooding the internet, signaling a worrisome trend in Nigeria. It begs the question: Are the young women involved unaware of the dangers, or are they simply ignoring the warning signs? With the prevalence of smartphones and access to news, one would expect a greater sense of caution. Yet, many still willingly meet up with total strangers.

One particularly disturbing story making the rounds involved some university girls who had arranged a paid sexual encounter for a short duration. However, the men involved demanded an extension “till daybreak” without offering additional payment. When the girls refused, they were reportedly raped, beaten, and recorded—a horrifying ordeal.

More tragic is the case of 21-year-old Osato Festus Edogiaweria. She was declared missing in April 2025 after visiting a suspect, Joshua Osaigbovo. Following an investigation, Joshua was arrested, and Osato’s body was found buried in a shallow grave—an outcome too heartbreaking to imagine.

In the wake of such incidents, the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Moses Joel Yamu, took to his X (formerly Twitter) page to urge women to always inform someone about their whereabouts, even if they’re going for a ‘hook-up’. His words: “Tell someone your location even if you are going for a ‘hook-up’. There are killers everywhere.”

Yamu’s advice sparked mixed reactions online. While some took it as a sensible warning, others responded with sarcasm and criticism. One user, Irikefe Victor, joked, “Just say they should get hook-up insurance.” Another, Obiago Immanuel, quipped, “So police have approved hook-up activities. Shege Nigerian Police.” Meanwhile, John Ajinomoh noted, “Good advice on a wrong motive.” These varied reactions highlight the confusion and normalization surrounding the issue—even as more lives are lost.

But does this mean the police endorse hook-ups? Not at all. The warning is not an endorsement—it’s a cry for caution in a world where danger lurks behind a smiling profile picture.

These stories lead to deeper questions: What’s truly happening to our youth? Who bears responsibility—the parents, society, social media, the government, or the economy? And more importantly, how can we protect young people from predators?

A possible answer came during a visit to a hair salon. While getting my hair done, I overheard the cries of a little child being dragged along by her sister, barely older than her. Their mother, visibly exhausted, walked ahead with a baby strapped to her back. The gossip began. Other customers criticized the woman for having too many children—11 in total—despite financial hardship and being married to a drunk. “What will become of these kids?” I silently wondered.

One customer, doubling as a self-proclaimed marriage counselor, advised families to have only as many children as they can financially and emotionally manage. Everyone in the salon agreed—except me. Because it’s no longer just about money; it’s about control and guidance.

Today’s world is filled with temptations, greed, and an obsession with luxurious lifestyles. And parents must take significant responsibility. Proper upbringing goes beyond providing food and shelter—it’s about instilling values and discipline. A well-guided child is less likely to turn to risky choices like hook-ups. Even in hardship, such a person would likely prefer honest work over dangerous shortcuts.