Samuel Akpobome: What’s going on in this society?

IN a rather wacky fashion reminiscent of Sigmund Freud’s idea of Oedipus complex, 18-year-old Samuel Akpobome allegedly had carnal knowledge of his mother in Ologbo, Edo State. However, contrary to the Freudian theory, Akpobome’s sacrilegious action had nothing to do with a child’s unconscious sexual desire for his mother and the wish to exclude his father. It was a deliberate action with a patently ignoble motive: he killed his mum and had sex with her corpse for money ritual. There is no evidence yet to suggest that this teenager has any mental challenge but just like many of his ilk today, he was driven by an inordinate quest for money. Not too long ago, a young man, Adeyemi Alao, allegedly killed Khadijat Oluboyo, the daughter of a former deputy governor of Ondo State who was said to be his girlfriend, in his room. The motive too was money ritual.

The society has literally gone haywire. There is no moral restraint, there is a dearth of scruples and the unreasonable  pursuit of quick and filthy lucre impaired the vision of many, hence they now have a distorted view of reality. And more importantly, the sanctity of human life has taken a dangerous plunge into the abyss. The single-minded pursuit of success with a narrow and often dishonourable definition has become the order of the day while everything else, no matter its propriety, takes the backstage. Unfortunately, it would appear that the youths are taking a cue from the adult generation, even though they seem to have perfected their Machiavellian disposition that ‘the end justifies the means’ with unprecedented ruthlessness and savagery. The society is now symptomatic of the virtual loss of the senses of value and humanity. With this spate of anti-social behaviours and morally reprehensible conduct, there can be no denying the fact that the country is in dire straits.

• Northern Nigeria and blood

Determining why and how the country sank this low in terms of good morals and values  may be strange to many, but a few discerning compatriots knew and actually predicted this calamitous fate. Clarion calls for greater attention to family matters were largely ignored or at best treated superficially by stakeholders.  Those who should have stood up to be counted, namely parents, the government, religious and traditional leaders, failed to provide leadership. Everyone seemed to have other priorities or became overly absorbed in addressing other supposedly more critical challenges. Yet there could not have been more serious issues than those confronting many a family, the microcosm of the society. The consequence is now clear for everyone to see.  The unsettling truth is that the situation can still worsen if the country fails to consider the root of the problem and swiftly get down to brass tacks.

The attitude of many youths clearly suggests that they have lost their bearings. For instance, Akpobome in his alleged confessional statement  to the police stated clearly that his mother did not offend him in any way but that he carried out the dastardly act in deference to the instructions of a witch doctor who assured him of a great deal of money if he succeeded.  And the question may be asked as to what manner of pressing financial needs or obligations could have made a teenager to take such a thoughtless and precipitate action.  Or what is an 18-year-old seeking to do with such money? And what kind of ritualist would make money ritual for an 18-year-old?  Is the ritualist also 18 or is he simply brainless?  If Akpobome can do what he did to his own mother, what can he not do to another person’s?

Indeed, the unsavoury narrative around Akpobome’s alleged commission of the heinous crime ordinarily beggars belief but the information was reportedly volunteered by the teenager upon interrogation by the police. And apparently, he does not appreciate the seriousness of the crime he is alleged to have committed. He even complained of being beaten too much by his neighbours.  That in itself points to the enormity of the socioeconomic issues the polity is contending with, which doubtless  require serious and concerted efforts to combat. Sadly, there has been little or no genuine national cohesion that would have enabled a concerted effort to resolve the monstrous challenge. And the situation promises to worsen with the ‘distraction’ of the impending general election and the usual cacophony that may attend its outcome. Honestly, the outlook is not promising.

Nonetheless, Akpobome must be punished severely if found guilty. But beyond that, it has become expedient and urgent to put social reorientation and moral rearmament in intense advocacy. Many Nigerians sure need to recover their values and humanity.