Akure sex workers demand justice, safety after colleague’s death

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Sex workers in Akure, the Ondo State capital, have called for improved safety measures and healthcare support following the death of one of their colleagues after a confrontation with a male client.

Western Post reports that the incident occurred at a brothel located in the Cathedral area of Akure.

A close friend of the deceased, who works in another brothel and chose to remain anonymous, said the woman had already been feeling unwell before accepting the job that night.

“We are mourning her demise because she wasn’t in good shape, but she still accepted the customer’s offer. After paying for the night, he became aggressive the next morning. We tried to calm him down,” the friend recalled.

Another woman working in the area stated that the emotional and physical toll of the job is often overlooked.

A colleague, Patricia Uwonkolo, said: “We don’t have anyone looking out for us, so we look out for ourselves. We have plans in place to manage drug use because it helps us cope, even though no one wants to become addicted.”

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, said the matter is under investigation.