In Nigeria, a disturbing trend has emerged that demands urgent attention. It is the increasing incidence of domestic staff plotting against their employers and their families for pecuniary gain or other trivial reasons. This alarming phenomenon signifies a troubling devaluation of human life, with some individuals seeking employment with malicious intent. As a result, employers are now in a perilous situation, vulnerable to the treachery of disloyal domestic workers.
Recent confessions from domestic staff in viral videos have been startling. In one case, a maid revealed her intention to poison her employer to steal money, while another admitted to poisoning a pot of soup to kill her employer and family members after her phone was confiscated. More intriguing is that these culprits are teenagers. These disturbing narratives highlight the sinister shift towards valuing material wealth over human life. Such acts are not just crimes but reflect a deeper malaise where individuals prioritise their desires over the well-being of others, showing disregard for the psychological trauma and potential damage to extended relatives and the community.
Understanding the motivations behind such extreme actions is crucial. For some domestic workers, financial desperation or a perceived lack of opportunities might drive them to commit such acts. Others may harbour deep-seated grudges or resentments, perhaps stemming from conflicts with their employers or dissatisfaction with their working conditions. Additionally, the influence of external factors, such as criminal networks or malicious ideologies, can play a role in shaping these destructive intentions.
The growing trend of domestic staff plotting against their employers is a serious issue that requires heightened vigilance and preventive measures. By implementing comprehensive screening processes, providing effective training and supervision, enhancing security measures, and seeking community support, employers can better safeguard their homes and ensure the integrity of their domestic staff. While the threat is real, a proactive and informed approach can help mitigate risks and protect families from these emerging dangers.
Domestic workers, originally hired to assist with household tasks such as cleaning, cooking, laundry, driving, and childcare, have become a source of fear and danger. The question arises: Could such heinous crimes be planned in isolation, or are they the result of collusion? It is often the case that such crimes involve accomplices— co-workers or outsiders. Alarmingly, there is also the possibility that some family members might be complicit in these plots.
Employing multiple domestic staff increases the risk of conspiracies and theft. Historical cases, such as the tragic murder of a former Edo State Governor’s mother by a house help who then fled with the victim’s possessions, underscore the potential dangers. Prompt action by the Intelligence Department of the Nigeria Police Force led to the apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrator.
In a recent development, the Punch newspaper (August 3, 2024) reported that a domestic worker in the employment of Dr. Aribemchukwu Ofili-Ajumogobia, the deceased daughter of Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, allegedly confessed to being involved in her death in connivance with others. The source explained that Aribemchukwu was killed inside her room, and her body was later moved outside the gate to falsely suggest she was killed there. The perpetrators tried to clean up the blood but missed some stains. The suspects also took the deceased’s valuables after the murder. All three domestic workers had been hired only a week prior to the incident. The media are indeed awash with similar unpalatable and disturbing cases of domestic staff’s evil machinations.
In mitigating this ugly phenomenon, it is wise for employers to foster a good relationship with their domestic staff to create a positive working environment. However, some domestic staff with an ulterior motive might still pose a risk, regardless of the affable relationship with their employers.
Some parents, irrespective of socio-economic status, teach their children to handle household chores to avoid relying on potentially harmful domestic workers. When children are involved in household chores while growing up, they learn essential skills like cooking, cleaning, and washing. This preparation helps them become more self-sufficient and capable of managing their own households in the future. It also helps prevent issues for those who might not have learned these skills if domestic staff handled these tasks during their upbringing.
To alleviate these risks, employers must take stringent precautions. Installing CCTV cameras in strategic locations such as the kitchen, living room, and entrances can help monitor activities and deter potential malfeasance. It is also prudent to maintain detailed records, including photographs and personal information of staff and their relatives, to aid in identification and investigation if issues arise.
In addition to installing CCTV cameras, employers should implement other security measures, such as providing secure storage for valuables and conducting regular audits of household items. It is crucial to ensure that all entry and exit points are well-secured and monitored to protect against potential threats. Employers should also educate their family members on security protocols and the importance of vigilance, fostering a culture of awareness and safety within the home.
Ultimately, while precautions are crucial, avoiding domestic staff altogether might be the safest course for some. Placing trust in divine protection and committing the well-being of one’s household to the Supreme Being can provide reassurance amid these growing concerns.
In conclusion, the growing trend of domestic staff plotting against their employers is a serious issue that requires heightened vigilance and preventive measures. Employers must remain cautious and proactive in safeguarding their homes and ensuring the integrity of their domestic staff.
Odaro, a columnist, lectures in the Department of Mass Communication, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi
