Kate Henshaw Reacts to Backlash Over Ritual Killings Comments Amid Police Reports on Hookup Culture
In November 2024, Nigerian actress Kate Henshaw faced severe backlash on social media for her comments regarding the dangers of dating Yahoo boys, especially in relation to ritual killings. Henshaw had made a statement on social media suggesting that girls who date fraudsters, commonly known as Yahoo boys, are at risk of being used in rituals. Her comments were met with criticism, with many accusing her of promoting femicide.
However, after recent police reports highlighting the dangers of hookup culture, Henshaw has now responded, saying she has been vindicated. On December 4, 2024, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Omolola Odutola, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Ogun State Police Command, shed light on the growing issue of missing persons, particularly young girls who fall victim to ritual killings tied to hookup arrangements.
Odutola revealed that investigations into numerous missing persons cases often trace the disappearances to dangerous hookup arrangements, where young women are invited to meet strangers at unknown locations, only to be harmed or killed for rituals. “Today, we have numerous reports of missing persons. By the time we start an investigation, not less than 10 young girls and ladies go missing daily,” she said, further emphasizing the sinister connection between hookup culture and ritual killings.
The report ignited fresh reactions on social media, with many people recalling Henshaw’s controversial comments from October 31, 2024. At the time, the actress had reacted to a viral video of a young girl expressing her desire to date a Yahoo boy. Henshaw had written, “Na so dem go take pieces you for ritual… Yeye mindset.” Her statement quickly went viral, but it attracted intense criticism, with many accusing her of being insensitive and promoting violence.
One social media user reminded others of Henshaw’s previous statement, writing, “There was a time not too long ago @HenshawKate made a statement as regards this and some people came for her. Alas!!! She has been vindicated.” In response, Henshaw fired back, “Let the role model females who spouted I was promoting femicide show naa.. Alas, their mouths are shut!!”
The actress had previously defended her statement, explaining that the young girl’s choice to date a fraudster, a Yahoo boy, was a dangerous mindset that could lead to her being exploited for rituals. In the heated exchange on social media, Henshaw remarked, “That’s the value she placed on herself with her words and actions. That’s how she reduced herself to be used by all and sundry.”
Henshaw’s comments were widely seen as controversial, with many condemning her for allegedly blaming the victim in situations of femicide. However, with recent reports from the police highlighting the growing problem of ritual killings tied to hookup culture, the actress’s stance now appears to resonate more strongly with the ongoing conversation about the risks faced by young women in these dangerous arrangements.
As the debate continues to unfold, it remains clear that the issue of ritual killings in Nigeria, particularly those linked to the growing trend of hookup culture, is one that requires serious attention from both the public and authorities. Kate Henshaw’s remarks, though polarizing, have reignited a conversation about the importance of personal safety and the need to critically examine the role of online relationships in modern Nigerian culture.
