Beauty entrepreneur and social media influencer Laura Ikeji has urged young women to exercise caution when interacting with people on social media who offer career opportunities or financial assistance.
Her warning follows widespread public outrage over the death of 20-year-old Favour Agbro, who reportedly took her own life after allegedly being lured to Asaba by content creator Ifeanyi Ogbonna, popularly known as Odogwu of Asaba. According to reports, the suspect allegedly promised to help her with content monetisation before inviting her to a hotel, where she was allegedly raped. The matter has sparked renewed conversations about online safety and the exploitation of young women.
Speaking in a video shared on her social media platforms, Laura cautioned teenagers and young adults against trusting strangers who present themselves as mentors or benefactors online. She stressed that anyone insisting on meeting in a private residence or hotel under the pretext of offering help should be viewed with suspicion.
According to her, genuine mentorship, financial support and professional guidance can be provided through phone calls, virtual meetings or in public places, without compromising anyone’s safety.
“I want to tell you, young 17-, 18-, 19-year-olds, there are a lot of bad people on social media,” she said. “Sometimes these people disguise themselves as good people. They come as helpers… They come as mentors.”
Laura acknowledged the pressure many young people face to succeed quickly but encouraged them not to risk their safety in pursuit of opportunities. She added that no legitimate opportunity requires a private meeting in someone’s home, insisting that anyone who genuinely wants to help can do so without placing a young woman in a vulnerable situation.
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