Akure Erupts in Outrage as Sex Workers Protest Colleague Beaten to Death by Client Over ₦15,000
“A sex worker in Akure, Ondo State, was beaten to death by a client after a dispute over a ₦15,000 payment, sparking outrage, arrests, and renewed calls for protection, health insurance, and legal reforms for sex workers in Nigeria.”
Akure, Ondo State — Tension has gripped the Cathedral axis of Akure following the brutal killing of a sex worker who was allegedly beaten to death by a client after an argument over a ₦15,000 overnight payment.
According to her colleagues, the deceased—who had been unwell on the night of the incident—reluctantly accepted the booking because she “didn’t want to lose the money.” After the encounter, the client reportedly demanded a refund, claiming he “didn’t finish.”
When she refused, the man allegedly returned with a group of accomplices, forced their way into her room and beat her severely. Used condoms were recovered at the scene, confirming that the sexual transaction had occurred. By the time police arrived, she had already succumbed to her injuries.
The atmosphere around the brothel was one of anger, disbelief and mourning.
Speaking on anonymity, one of the ladies said: r
“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.
Continuing “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.”
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.
Her distraught friend said the death could have been avoided:
“If she had health insurance, she would have gone to a hospital instead of forcing herself to work. We have no rights and no protection. Nobody cares until one of us dies.”
Another colleague, Patricia Uwonkolo, described the harsh conditions sex workers endure:
“We use herbs, pills — anything — to keep us awake or strong enough to survive the night. Some of us are on ARVs, others have infections. But where do we go? This job is killing us slowly — and now quickly.”
Following the attack, sex workers in the area are demanding urgent reforms, including emergency health insurance, dedicated police patrols in red-light districts, a reporting system for violent clients, and legal frameworks that offer real protection. Many argue that regulation is the only way to reduce the spiralling violence.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the main suspect and three others, while additional accomplices remain at large.
The killing has triggered nationwide outrage, sparking heated debates on X (formerly Twitter). Many Nigerians are questioning how a society where “religious institutions collect billions and politicians control trillions” can allow vulnerable women to be killed over ₦15,000.
As Akure mourns, activists ask a pressing question: how many more women must die before Nigeria confronts the violence, stigma, and systemic neglect surrounding sex work?
