WAHALA! Story Of How Lagos Sex Workers Slash Rates To Attract Customers During Lockdown
In the midst of the COVID- 19 pandemic, sex workers in Lagos are continuing to operate, defying the lockdown order aimed at curbing the spread of the virus. Our correspondent visited several brothels in the Ikeja area and found that business was still booming, albeit with some adjustments.
At a brothel on Ipodo Street, our correspondent met Blessing, a sex worker who was dismissive of the pandemic. ” COVID- 19 never reach Nigeria, ” she said, adding that she believed it was a ruse to divert public funds. Despite the risks, Blessing and her colleagues were still engaging in sexual activities with clients, albeit with some precautions such as using hand sanitizers.
At another brothel on Toyin Street, our correspondent met Ruth, who also expressed skepticism about the pandemic. ” Coronavirus no dey anywhere, ” she said, adding that she believed God would protect her from infection. Ruth and her colleagues were also still operating, although they had reduced their prices due to low patronage.
The coordinator of the Nigeria Sex Workers Association, Amaka Enemo, expressed disappointment that some sex workers were not complying with the social distancing practice. However, she noted that many Nigerians were also flouting the lockdown directive.
A public health physician, Dr Rotimi Adesanya, warned that commercial sex workers were putting themselves at high risk by defying the lockdown order. ” They should be on lockdown for their own safety, ” he said, adding that using hand sanitizers was not enough to protect them from contracting COVID- 19.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos State, DSP Bala Elkana, stated that sex workers were not exempted from the lockdown order and that police would raid any locations where they operate.
The continued operation of sex workers in Lagos despite the lockdown order highlights the challenges of enforcing social distancing measures in the state. It also underscores the need for increased awareness and education about the risks of COVID- 19, particularly among vulnerable populations such as sex workers.
