Even after the ban by the fct Minister, Bala Mohammed, who gave prostitutes an ultimatum to leave Nigeria's capital or face the wrath of the law, investigation has shown that there are more patronage as it has taken a new guise in the zone 4 area and the Utako-Jabi axis.
Below is the revealing report by Anthony Ada Abraham:
Young and beautiful, some skinny while others are fleshy, walking in skimpy clothing waving at cars to come access their product. Eyes bright like the morning dew, but red for cash.
They are known as sharp girls while others call them ‘mamas.’
They are everywhere in the country especially the FCT. They are no ghosts they are known as ‘Ashawo’ or prostitutes. The so called ban on prostitution has little or no effect as the market has continued to boom with patronage from all angles.
The minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed who decried the steady rise in the population of prostitutes in Abuja, once noted that they constitute a nuisance as their services add no value to the beauty of the city ordering the FCT Special Task Force to arrest and prosecute them.
Also, men who patronise the girls were warned to desist from the act as anyone caught would be treated like the prostitutes.
but all those warnings seem to be discarded as they continue to buy the commodity with reckless abandoned
Utako-Eden Garden
When you hear the name ‘Eden’, it is ironical to the Biblical meaning which is supposed to house the most precious atmosphere. Though the Eden in question is one of the most beautiful gardens in Abuja where you could get anything you want for relaxation.
It is a place where you enjoy life band, suya, shawama, fish, drinks(alcohol and soft). Also games like table tennis, snooker and so on are available for leisure.
Upcoming artistes are given the opportunity to showcase their talents on stage and patrons aid them with cash when a performance is worthwhile.
The garden which is situated in a splendid location receives patronage from all over.
Prostitutes around Eden garden:
Last Sunday night, when our reporter was at 3js hotel at a popular comedy show known as Comedy Assembly, he was strolling around the area, trying to experience first-hand activities.
Though there are about five hotels located in that axis, the girls love to stay behind the garden with their sexy skimpy skirts.
“Catch am catch am!” One of the girls shouted, though at first, it looked like the task force were on hand to sweep them but a bus parked there was an ice cream company bus.
When our reporter moved closer to eavesdrop, the following conversation ensued.
“Ngozi no let am go, na so these aboki boys go dey touch us for breast, and bottom. Hold am.”
One of the boys was seen running while an average height lady wearing a tight gown with stripes was holding a long stick in front of the other guy, an Hausa boy who was over powered by the girls numbering about 15, asking him “ abi na touch you wan touch, you go tire,’ about four cars were parked negotiating with some other girls who were busy shaking their (backside) showing their patrons that their product is still intact.
Though attention easily faded away from the boy as what they came out to do is yielding fruit.
When asked the situation and why he should have the guts to touch their “privacy,” the confused looking young man who spoke in Hausa, swore they were passing by when they mobbed them, but the “Ngozi” who understands Hausa shouted him down, while our reporter stood watching the drama.
After all the confusion, the young man who later said he was Abu, left while they lined up again waiting for customers.
At this time, about eight cars came around and picked the girls. These cars were flashy and not the normal little ones.
Prostitutes around Zone 4:
The situation at Zone 4 has taken another shape as the girls now disguise themselves like ‘Hajiya’, putting on hijab or wearing native clothes waiting for someone to call on them. But it seems their patrons now identify them easily because when they stroll around, you see them as if they are waiting for a cab but all is a diversionary method to confuse any security group from arresting them.
At Jabi Masalachi:
They are like ‘kobo-kobo,’not the usual ones who live in big houses, drive luxury cars, they are the type you go for ‘sharp sharp’ and whenever you want, you just stroll there and pay for their time. They are very young, older ladies but are not the big type.
Reactions:
A patron who resides in Lugbe but spoke on anonymity argued that since the ban given to the girls, they have increased their charges to between N4,000 and N6,000 per night stating that they now increased their price to between N10,000 to N15,000.
While another said “at least it will reduce the patronage because not everyone can afford such amount.
The believe is that the agency responsible for bringing this so called business to a halt should channel properly, resources set aside to help offenders for a proper rehabilitation.
