Underwear theft frightens female undergraduates

Bitter reactions from some distraught female undergraduates are trailing the heinous hunt for women undies in various Nigeria universities.

Tribune Online learnt on a recent investigative voyage where all commentators on the issue unanimously noted that the nasty trend constituted a sort of nagging headache to many because the claims in many quarters was that these perpetrators target the panties of girls and women, particularly of ages between 14 and 35, as they are being sold at the black market for prices which range from N200,000 to N350,000 depending on how much residues or body fluids they contain.

A 300-level student of the University of Benin, Abigail Omabuwa, said the alarming notoriety is a devious act which has endangered the life of every girl-child. She also noted that the development which is a thorn in the flesh even made many female students feel jittery about being on campus.

Omabuwa bemoaned that “stealing of women underwears for money rituals is a devious act which has kept we females in harm’s way. The issue is now a thorn in our flesh as we are prey to individuals who see this devious act as a corporate work or a means of livelihood.

“Presently, in many universities where this unpalatable trend is on the rise, female scholars are disoriented and consumed by fear. Many believe that given the insecurity in the country that there’s a high tendency of them getting robbed of their panties within the university communities. As a matter of fact, a colleague told me that she isn’t certain if she can still dry her undies in the female hostel where she resides, because of how grave the issue is as nobody can be trusted,” she added.

A student of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ebonyi State, Amara Uka, also lamented: “Underwear theft in Nigeria is totally a derogatory act on the female gender. It is very much diabolical as it implies the use of the victim’s panties to make money through rituals. The effects of this diabolical act which is specifically centred on females don’t give consideration to one’s age. Apparently, girls, ladies and full grown women are practically sleeping with one eye closed as no part of the country is safe.

“This issue has even posed a great threat to female students studying in various higher institutions of learning because freedom of movement has been compromised and females can no longer move around freely. We now live in constant fear as we could be attacked anytime and anywhere by these perpetrators, especially when there are no security measures to curtail this madness.”

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She further stated that due to the prevalence of the scourge, some ladies prefer going around pantless despite severe health complications.

“As a result of this scourge, some ladies are now embracing the new style of not wearing undies because they want to safeguard themselves from danger. But in doing so, one actually exposes the genitals to germs which increases the rate of barrenness and diseases,” Uka said.

An undergraduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nancy Mbah, on her part, described the absurd trend as “pathetic, insane and malicious.” She stated that the appalling act which is inflicting harm on women has become a new form of “gender violence” in the society as ritualists suspected to be “yahoo boys” target women as prey for alleged money rituals.

She also bemoaned how stories of missing female underwear created anxiety amongst female students on campus, noting that it has led to the loss of sanity as few ladies now leave their abode without wearing undies for the fear of internet fraudsters.

Lending her voice to the issue, a nursing undergraduate of Osun State University, Damilola Ajeigbe, also expressed regrets as she called on the government to intervene on this national issue for tranquillity to reign.

Ajeigbe said: “The idea of stealing female undies is actually quite scary. I find it alarming and degrading that people will stoop so low in using women pants for money rituals. The act has placed a sort of insecurity in female students as the fear of spreading underwears outside is constantly on our mind. Ladies are even scared to walk alone for the fear of being mugged on the road.

“At present, it is now a matter of national security and government ought to deal with the issue the same way cases like kidnapping and genocide attacks are handled. The earlier this issue is resolved, the earlier the sense of security and the confidence students have in school hostels will be restored.”

Anokwuru writes via an email