FCT, sex workers in new hide-and-seek game
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- Category: Around and about
- Written by Sikiru M. Jimoh
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Prostitution in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has taken another dimension, defying efforts by relevant agencies in the territory to ban it
Following continuous arrests and prosecution, commercial sex workers relocated from the city center of Abuja to the suburbs, where they ply their trade freely. In Piwoyi, along Airport Road, a popular hotel there serves as their hangout. As one approaches, they dart out of their corners and try to out-do one another to get attention. A resident of the area told Weekend Magazine that the ladies operate at two levels, in the daytime and at night. He said those who operate in the day have customers at all times. “The high-class category go to the city centre in the evenings and return early in the morning,” he explained.A housewife who gave her name as Mrs. Ben, said apart from those who hang around hotels and by the roadside, there are also those who operate from rented apartments. “Their customers know where they stay and go there for their services. They remain strictly indoors and operate at low levels,” she explained, expressing annoyance.
In the same vein, a taxi driver said many sex workers occupy rooms in Piwoyi, while also confirming that they are many in Soka, Pyakasa with Lugbe as the biggest hub. He said by 6pm, they leave Piwoyi in groups of four in taxis and return before twilight. “I drop them at different locations in the city and they pay me well,” he said.
At Pyakasa, one Idrisu, a bricklayer said the sex workers leave Pyakasa for ‘business’ when others are returning home from work. “Occasionally, we see people coming to them in beautiful and expensive cars. If you engage in conflict with them, they will show you ‘pepper’ at the police station. It is only the government that can handle them,” he said.
At Anguwan Gwari in Lugbe, some sex workers mix with fun-seekers at a popular local beer joint.
At Sauka Ka Huta, inside Lugbe Federal Housing Authority (FHA), residents say the expression means ‘come down and rest’. A motor cyclist said told Weekly Trust that inflation, too, affects the prices-tags of the services they offer.
At Soka, a roadside relaxation spot serves as a contact point for sex workers. The spot is under an array of mango trees. The sex workers were seen at various sections drinking beer with prospective customers. A fruit-seller said many of them occupy single rooms in the village. One Alhassan said when men come for prostitutes in the afternoon, they meet at local restaurants emptying one bottle of beer after the other. Then they disappear in flashy cars towards the city centre. Then at Mararaba in Nasarawa State, a middle-aged man, Baba Dauda said City Rock Hotel is the most popular hang-out for the commercial sex workers.
Secretary, Social Development Secretariat of the FCT, Mrs. Folashade Ayileka, said prostitution is an old act and cannot be handled like armed robbery and other violent crimes. “Putting an end to prostitution takes a gradual process. We received information about prostitutes existing in Gwarimpa Estate and carried out a joint night patrol with the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) but we did not see them. We cannot handle them like those involved in other crimes. With time, we will eliminate them from the FCT,” she promised.
Mrs. Ayileka said the Social Development Secretariat is taking steps against them. “That is why they are moving to those communities. But they will soon find their way out of the FCT,” she added. Head of AEPB Enforcement, Mr. Segun Olusa, said the board is carrying out special operations in the FCT to chase the sex workers away.
FCT, sex workers in new hide-and-seek game
Category: Around and about Written by Sikiru M. Jimoh Hits: 1149
Prostitution in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has taken another dimension, defying efforts by relevant agencies in the territory to ban it
Following continuous arrests and prosecution, commercial sex workers relocated from the city center of Abuja to the suburbs, where they ply their trade freely. In Piwoyi, along Airport Road, a popular hotel there serves as their hangout. As one approaches, they dart out of their corners and try to out-do one another to get attention. A resident of the area told Weekend Magazine that the ladies operate at two levels, in the daytime and at night. He said those who operate in the day have customers at all times. “The high-class category go to the city centre in the evenings and return early in the morning,” he explained.A housewife who gave her name as Mrs. Ben, said apart from those who hang around hotels and by the roadside, there are also those who operate from rented apartments. “Their customers know where they stay and go there for their services. They remain strictly indoors and operate at low levels,” she explained, expressing annoyance.
In the same vein, a taxi driver said many sex workers occupy rooms in Piwoyi, while also confirming that they are many in Soka, Pyakasa with Lugbe as the biggest hub. He said by 6pm, they leave Piwoyi in groups of four in taxis and return before twilight. “I drop them at different locations in the city and they pay me well,” he said.
At Pyakasa, one Idrisu, a bricklayer said the sex workers leave Pyakasa for ‘business’ when others are returning home from work. “Occasionally, we see people coming to them in beautiful and expensive cars. If you engage in conflict with them, they will show you ‘pepper’ at the police station. It is only the government that can handle them,” he said.
At Anguwan Gwari in Lugbe, some sex workers mix with fun-seekers at a popular local beer joint.
At Sauka Ka Huta, inside Lugbe Federal Housing Authority (FHA), residents say the expression means ‘come down and rest’. A motor cyclist said told Weekly Trust that inflation, too, affects the prices-tags of the services they offer.
At Soka, a roadside relaxation spot serves as a contact point for sex workers. The spot is under an array of mango trees. The sex workers were seen at various sections drinking beer with prospective customers. A fruit-seller said many of them occupy single rooms in the village. One Alhassan said when men come for prostitutes in the afternoon, they meet at local restaurants emptying one bottle of beer after the other. Then they disappear in flashy cars towards the city centre. Then at Mararaba in Nasarawa State, a middle-aged man, Baba Dauda said City Rock Hotel is the most popular hang-out for the commercial sex workers.
Secretary, Social Development Secretariat of the FCT, Mrs. Folashade Ayileka, said prostitution is an old act and cannot be handled like armed robbery and other violent crimes. “Putting an end to prostitution takes a gradual process. We received information about prostitutes existing in Gwarimpa Estate and carried out a joint night patrol with the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) but we did not see them. We cannot handle them like those involved in other crimes. With time, we will eliminate them from the FCT,” she promised.
Mrs. Ayileka said the Social Development Secretariat is taking steps against them. “That is why they are moving to those communities. But they will soon find their way out of the FCT,” she added. Head of AEPB Enforcement, Mr. Segun Olusa, said the board is carrying out special operations in the FCT to chase the sex workers away.