Tragedy in Akure: Prostitutes Mourn Colleague Killed After Violent Encounter With Client Over ₦15,000
Akure, Ondo State — A wave of grief and outrage has swept through Akure’s sex worker community following the tragic death of a young woman after a brutal encounter with a client who allegedly became violent over an overnight service gone wrong.
The heartbreaking incident occurred at a popular brothel in the Cathedral area of the Ondo State capital, where the victim had agreed to spend the night with a male client for a fee of ₦15,000. According to witnesses, things took a deadly turn when the man allegedly became aggressive after claiming his expectations were not met.
“She was unwell that night but didn’t want to lose the money,” a close friend of the deceased told The Hope under anonymity. “After he paid, he turned violent when he wasn’t satisfied. Others stepped in to calm him, but the damage had been done.”
As the victim’s condition deteriorated, the client allegedly returned the next morning with friends to demand a refund, but the woman was already too weak to respond. Unable to unlock her phone or reach emergency services in time, her colleagues watched helplessly as the situation spiraled.
The police were eventually called, but it was too late. The woman died shortly after.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for protection, healthcare access, and labor rights for sex workers in Akure—many of whom operate under dangerous conditions with no safety nets.
“If she had health insurance or even a clinic to go to, she might still be alive,” her friend said, visibly shaken. “We live with constant risks—abuse, addiction, illness—and nobody seems to care because of what we do for a living.”
Another sex worker, Patricia Uwonkolo, emphasized the physical and emotional toll of the work, revealing that many resort to herbal drugs and makeshift remedies to cope.
“We form support groups just to survive. We don’t want to become addicts, but we take what we can to stay functional. Nobody is protecting us.”
Despite efforts from some charitable groups providing basic medical care and medication, the absence of formal policies leaves these women in a perpetual state of danger.
“This job is draining,” one woman said tearfully. “Clients cross boundaries, and if you speak up, there’s no one to protect you. This didn’t have to end in death.”
When contacted, the brothel owner refused to comment:
“I’m not in the mood to say anything. Go to the police.”
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the client and three accomplices.
Spokesperson DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola said:
“The suspect allegedly mobilized others to forcibly retrieve his money. We arrested him and three of his peers. Others fled. The investigation is ongoing.”
As the community mourns, many are asking: how many more must suffer in silence before something changes?