PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF YAHOO-PLUS (MONEY RITUAL AND CYBER-CRIME) AS MONEY GENERATING STRATEGY AMONG YOUTHS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF PARENTS IN EDO STATE AND DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF YAHOO-PLUS (MONEY RITUAL AND CYBER-CRIME) AS MONEY GENERATING STRATEGY AMONG YOUTHS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF PARENTS IN EDO STATE AND DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Chapter One: Introduction

Background of the Study

In recent years, the term "Yahoo-plus" has gained notoriety in Nigeria, particularly in the southern regions, including Edo and Delta States. Yahoo-plus refers to a blend of cyber-crime, commonly known as "Yahoo Yahoo," and ritualistic practices, often involving human sacrifices or other occult practices, believed to enhance the success of fraudulent activities. Originally, Yahoo Yahoo described internet fraud, where individuals, often youths, engage in various online scams to defraud unsuspecting victims, primarily foreigners, of their money. However, the evolution of Yahoo Yahoo into Yahoo-plus has introduced a more sinister dimension, incorporating money rituals to purportedly guarantee financial success.

 

The phenomenon of Yahoo-plus has sparked widespread concern across Nigeria, with media reports highlighting instances of gruesome rituals associated with the practice. The rise of this trend can be attributed to a combination of factors, including economic hardship, unemployment, societal pressure for material success, and the erosion of moral values among the youth. For many young people, the lure of quick wealth, coupled with the perception that traditional paths to financial stability are no longer viable, has made Yahoo-plus an attractive, albeit dangerous, option.

 

Parents in Edo and Delta States, where the practice appears to be particularly prevalent, have expressed deep concern about the growing involvement of youths in Yahoo-plus. The implications of this trend are far-reaching, affecting not only the individuals directly involved but also their families and communities. The fear of losing their children to such practices, either through arrest, violent retaliation, or the psychological toll of engaging in such activities, has left many parents in a state of distress. Furthermore, the moral and ethical decline associated with Yahoo-plus threatens to undermine the social fabric of these communities, leading to a culture where the ends justify the means, regardless of the consequences.

 

This study aims to explore the public perception of Yahoo-plus as a money-generating strategy among youths, focusing on the perspectives of parents in Edo and Delta States. By examining the attitudes, beliefs, and concerns of parents, the study seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the social dynamics surrounding Yahoo-plus and its impact on families and communities in these regions.

 

Statement of the Problem

The rise of Yahoo-plus in Nigeria represents a complex social issue that has garnered significant attention from both the public and authorities. While various measures have been taken to combat cyber-crime, the integration of ritualistic practices into these activities has introduced new challenges. In Edo and Delta States, the growing involvement of youths in Yahoo-plus has raised alarm among parents, who are increasingly concerned about the safety and moral direction of their children.

 

Despite the widespread media coverage and public discourse on Yahoo-plus, there is a lack of comprehensive research on how parents perceive this phenomenon and its implications for their families and communities. Parents are at the forefront of this issue, often witnessing firsthand the changes in behavior and attitudes among their children who may be involved in or influenced by Yahoo-plus. Their perceptions, therefore, are crucial in understanding the broader impact of Yahoo-plus on society.

 

This study seeks to address this gap by examining the public perception of Yahoo-plus among parents in Edo and Delta States. It will explore their views on the factors driving youths toward Yahoo-plus, the perceived consequences of such involvement, and the measures they believe are necessary to curb the practice. Understanding these perceptions is essential for developing effective interventions that address the root causes of Yahoo-plus and mitigate its impact on the youth and their communities.

 

Objectives of the Study

To assess the public perception of Yahoo-plus as a money-generating strategy among youths in Edo and Delta States.

To identify the factors contributing to the involvement of youths in Yahoo-plus as perceived by parents in Edo and Delta States.

To evaluate the perceived impact of Yahoo-plus on the family and community dynamics in Edo and Delta States.

Research Questions

What is the public perception of Yahoo-plus as a money-generating strategy among youths in Edo and Delta States?

What factors do parents in Edo and Delta States perceive as contributing to the involvement of youths in Yahoo-plus?

How do parents perceive the impact of Yahoo-plus on family and community dynamics in Edo and Delta States?

Research Hypotheses

Null Hypothesis 1: There is no significant difference in the public perception of Yahoo-plus as a money-generating strategy among parents in Edo and Delta States.

Null Hypothesis 2: The factors contributing to the involvement of youths in Yahoo-plus are not significantly perceived by parents in Edo and Delta States.

Null Hypothesis 3: Yahoo-plus does not have a significant perceived impact on family and community dynamics in Edo and Delta States.

Significance of the Study

This study holds significance for various stakeholders:

 

Parents and Guardians: The findings will provide insights into the perceptions and concerns of parents, helping them better understand the risks associated with Yahoo-plus and the factors driving their children toward such practices.

 

Community Leaders and Social Workers: The study will inform community-based interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of Yahoo-plus and supporting families in preventing youth involvement in such activities.

 

Policymakers and Law Enforcement: The research will offer valuable data on the social and cultural factors influencing Yahoo-plus, aiding in the development of policies and strategies to combat cyber-crime and ritualistic practices.

 

Educational Institutions and Youth Organizations: The study will highlight the need for educational programs and awareness campaigns to counter the appeal of Yahoo-plus among youths and promote positive values and alternative paths to success.

 

Researchers and Academics: The study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on cyber-crime, ritualistic practices, and youth behavior, providing a foundation for further research on related topics.

 

Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study focuses on the public perception of Yahoo-plus as a money-generating strategy among youths in Edo and Delta States, with a specific emphasis on the perspectives of parents. The scope is limited to a cross-sectional analysis of parents' views, beliefs, and concerns regarding Yahoo-plus. The study will cover factors such as the motivations behind youth involvement, the perceived impact on families and communities, and the effectiveness of existing measures to curb the practice. Limitations of the study may include potential biases in self-reported data from parents and the challenge of obtaining comprehensive information on the clandestine nature of Yahoo-plus activities.

 

Definitions of Terms

Yahoo-plus: A term used in Nigeria to describe a combination of cyber-crime and ritualistic practices, often involving human sacrifices, to enhance the success of fraudulent activities.

Cyber-crime (Yahoo Yahoo): Internet-based fraudulent activities, typically involving scams, phishing, and other forms of online deception to defraud individuals or organizations.

Money Rituals: Occult practices believed to bring wealth or success, often involving human sacrifices or other ritualistic acts.

Public Perception: The collective attitudes, beliefs, and opinions held by individuals within a community or society regarding a particular issue.

Cross-Sectional Study: A type of observational research that analyzes data from a specific population at a single point in time to identify patterns and associations.