Nigerian girls, like many girls worldwide, deserve love, respect, and a promising future. However, in recent years, a sinister trend has emerged that threatens the safety and well-being of young women in Nigeria. This trend involves young girls falling prey to “Yahoo Boys” who lure them with promises of expensive gifts and financial stability but ultimately exploit them for money ritual purposes, resulting in devastating consequences. The rate at which young women are being murdered and mutilated by their boyfriend’s has become alarming.
Yahoo Boys, also known as Internet fraudsters or “G-boys,” engage in various cybercrimes, including email phishing, identity theft, and online scams. They often present a facade of wealth and success on social media, creating an illusion of a lavish lifestyle that can be particularly appealing to young girls.
These fraudsters prey on the dreams and aspirations of vulnerable girls by promising them gifts, money, and an extravagant lifestyle. In reality, their intentions are far from genuine. Many Yahoo Boys exploit their victims for money rituals, a practice rooted in superstition, with the false belief that these rituals will bring them immense wealth.
We may site parental failure for this disturbing trend. Parents of these male children haven’t properly guided them towards the fact that only hard work pays. They haven’t been properly educated on the dangers of diabolical superstitious beliefs which lead to nowhere but destruction of their future. If parents continue to expose their children to these truths, they will be less likely to fall for the scam of phantom wealth coming out of the flesh of another human being. It’s a very big lie as vacant as the stupid belief that anybody can steal anyone’s penis for any reason whatsoever.
While parents have failed in educating and guiding their children, the church which should be the second moral police of any child, has jettisoned it’s role in that respect to focus on prosperity teachings and wealth by Holy Spirit magic.
When what children hear everyday is wealth by waving a wand and see their pastors living the privileged life, they will accept any magic wand presented to them, be it from the depth of darkness or the recesses of Hell. A wand is a wand as long as it opens caves to wealth unimagined…like the pastor’s.
Let’s now look at society. We have become a society that does not question the source of wealth of an individual. Sadly, with the new generation, money is everything. Just make it, or as they say, ‘Blow!’. You blow, you are the hero, the role model, the one with the most social media followers, an idol, almost worshipped like a god.
In all of this, government bears the worst blame. Politicians and leaders indulge in a do or die lust for money and when they get into power, lack the moral capacity to correct.
Government agencies mostly only pay lip service to these cases and the organ set up to enlighten and orientate, The National Orientation Agency (NOA) with over 600 offices in all local governments of the country, has become as weak as a dried out, withered limb. The NOA is near comatose.
However, we must in our individual capacities continue to advise young women and protect them from this unfortunate evil that is bedeviling our country.
Here are some points we must share non stop:
*Be Skeptical: Nigerian girls should be cautious when approached by individuals who seem too good to be true. While there are genuine people out there, it’s essential to maintain a healthy level of skepticism when offered extravagant gifts or money.
*Verify Identities: Before becoming emotionally involved with someone online or in person, ensure that they are who they claim to be. It’s easy for Yahoo Boys to create fake identities on social media.
*Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Never share sensitive personal information, such as bank details, addresses, or identification documents, with anyone you’ve met online, especially if their intentions seem suspicious.
*Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your gut feeling. Your intuition can be a powerful tool in detecting potential scams.
*Educate Yourself: Knowledge is your best defense. Educate yourself about common online scams and the tactics used by Yahoo Boys to exploit their victims.
*Seek Guidance: Talk to trusted friends, family members, or professionals if you’re unsure about a situation. They can offer valuable advice and support.
*Report Suspected Fraud: If you suspect that you’re being targeted by a Yahoo Boy, don’t hesitate to report the individual to local law enforcement or anti-fraud agencies.
*Self-empowerment: Focus on your education, career, and personal development. Building a strong foundation for your future will make you less susceptible to empty promises.
Parents and guardians should try by all means to know what their children, male and female are up to. Ask questions especially when the bring something expensive home.
Be abreast of where they are at all times, scrutinize their friends with fine thread while insisting on establishing friendship with other parents in your child’s friend-circle.
I hereby call on government to declare a national emergency on Yahoo Boys and to also relentlessly go after the ‘Babalawos’ who they patronize. – Moji Danisa
