The Cathedral axis of Akure has been thrown into grief and anger after a sex worker was brutally beaten to death by a client who paid ₦15,000 for an overnight session and allegedly attacked her because “he didn’t finish.”
Colleagues and eyewitnesses at the brothel recounted a disturbing chain of events. The victim, already ill that night, accepted the job despite her condition because she “didn’t want to lose the money.” After the encounter, the client reportedly demanded a refund, claiming dissatisfaction. When she refused, he returned with a group of men, stormed her room, and beat her mercilessly until she collapsed.
Used condoms were found in the room, confirming the transaction had taken place. By the time police officers arrived, she was dead.
Her close friend, shaking and in tears, said the tragedy could have been prevented: “If she had health insurance, she would have gone to the hospital instead of forcing herself to work. We have no rights, no protection. Nobody cares until one of us dies.”
Another colleague, Patricia Uwonkolo, described the harsh reality of their work: “We use herbs, pills, anything that keeps us awake or strong enough to survive the night. Some are on ARVs, some have infections. But where do we go? This job is killing us slowly — and now quickly.”
In the wake of the killing, sex workers in the area are demanding urgent reforms, including emergency health insurance, round-the-clock police patrols in red-light corridors, a reporting system for violent clients, and legal structures to protect them from abuse. According to them, regulation is the only way to stop the steady tide of violence.
Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the main suspect and three accomplices, while others remain at large.
The case has sparked a nationwide outcry, igniting fierce debates on X. Many users are questioning a society where religious institutions collect billions, politicians control trillions, yet vulnerable women can still be killed over ₦15,000.
As Akure mourns, the bigger question remains: how many more women must die before Nigeria confronts the violence, neglect, and hypocrisy surrounding sex work?
About The Author
