Sex workers in Akure, the Ondo State capital, are mourning the tragic death of one of their colleagues following a violent encounter with a male client.
The incident, which occurred at a brothel in the Cathedral area, has sparked calls for improved safety measures and access to healthcare for those in the industry.
According to eyewitnesses, the deceased was hired by a male client for an overnight session after he paid ₦15,000. However, by the following morning, the man reportedly became aggressive when his expectations were not met.
A close friend of the deceased, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the victim had not been feeling well that night but still agreed to the client’s request.
“She was unwell but didn’t want to lose the money,” the friend told The Hope. “After he paid, he became violent when he wasn’t satisfied. Others intervened and tried to calm him down.”
The client later returned to the brothel demanding a refund, but by then, the woman was too weak to respond, and no one could access her phone due to a locked screen.
“We asked him to return later, hoping she would regain strength, but when he came back, the situation worsened. That was when we called the police,” she added.
The case has underscored the ongoing vulnerability of sex workers in Akure, many of whom operate without basic health insurance or formal protection.
“If she had health insurance, she could have gone to a hospital when she started feeling sick,” her friend lamented. “We live with constant health and safety risks, and no one seems to care.”
Another sex worker expressed emotional distress over the nature of the job and urged the government to intervene.
“This job is physically and emotionally draining. We need policies that protect us and channels to report abusive clients before it’s too late,” she said.
“That man clearly wanted more than what was agreed. Only used condoms were found in the room. If there were proper regulations, she might still be alive.”
The women are now urging both the government and brothel operators to implement safety protocols and provide access to healthcare and support systems.
One of the sex workers, Patricia Uwonkolo, highlighted the health challenges they face and the limited resources available.
“We have no choice but to protect ourselves. Nobody else will do it for us,” she said. “Some of us have formed support networks to manage drug use.
We don’t want to become addicts, but we use certain herbs or drugs to stay functional.”
She added that some charitable organizations have stepped in to offer basic medical support, including medications for treatment and recovery.
When approached for comment, the brothel owner declined to speak on the incident. “I’m not in the mood to say anything, please. If you want information, go to the police,” she said.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident, with spokesperson DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola stating that investigations are ongoing.
“The suspect allegedly mobilized some of his peers to forcibly retrieve the ₦15,000 from the woman. Our officers arrested three of his accomplices alongside him, while others fled. The matter is under investigation,” Olushola confirmed.