Prostitutes Ondo
Scale and Vulnerability
Sex workers in Ondo State, Nigeria, face significant challenges. Reports indicate an estimated 90,000 women engage in commercial sex work across the state. Their working conditions are often precarious.
Police Targeting and Arrests
Law enforcement frequently targets them. In April 2020, during COVID-19 lockdowns, the Ondo State Task Force arrested 18 sex workers and their clients for violating curfew rules. The arrested workers were reportedly isolated, and their brothel shut down. Similar raids occurred later; in March 2023, police arrested seven women for alleged prostitution and child trafficking.
Exploitation and Criminal Activity
Sex workers are also vulnerable to exploitation and crime. There are multiple reports of men defrauding workers using fake bank payment alerts. For instance, a 25-year-old man, Oluwafemi Damilola, was arraigned in court for this offense. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo has also arrested individuals linked to child trafficking rings involving suspected sex workers.
Persistence Amidst Risks
Despite the risks, the trade persists. Workers in Akure, the state capital, have even requested government protection while performing their duties. They report adapting their methods, especially during the pandemic, to keep working as it remains a crucial source of income. The combination of police raids, societal stigma, fraud, and trafficking creates a dangerous environment for sex workers in Ondo State.
*TAGS* – commercial sex work Nigeria, Ondo State raids, trafficking exploitation Akure
