The Edo State Government on Monday paraded several suspected commercial sex workers arrested in an ongoing crackdown on prostitution and related offences in the State. The operation, coordinated by the Public Safety and Security Department in collaboration with security agencies, focused on brothels and suspected red-light zones across Benin City.
Authorities said the arrests followed intelligence gathering, surveillance, and complaints from residents about increased criminal activity and public nuisance in certain areas.
Speaking during the parade of the suspects, the Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Hon Christabel Omoh, said the action was part of a broader strategy to maintain public order and promote social decency in Edo State.
“Edo State will not serve as a refuge for illegality or human exploitation. Many of the women arrested were discovered in extremely poor conditions, while others confessed to being trafficked into the sex trade. For those willing to abandon the practice, the government is offering rehabilitation and vocational training,” Omoh stated.
She explained that while the state would offer support to victims of trafficking and women seeking to exit sex work, those with repeated offences or links to criminal activities could face prosecution in accordance with the law. Some of the arrested women told journalists that they were deceived into prostitution under false promises of employment or were driven into it by economic hardship. Their accounts have reignited public concern about poverty, unemployment, and human trafficking in the state.
In response, human rights organisations have appealed to the state government to ensure that victims of trafficking are treated humanely and not further victimised. They urged the authorities to adopt a more comprehensive approach to tackling the underlying causes of prostitution, such as lack of education, economic inequality, and inadequate mental health care.
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the law while balancing enforcement with compassion and support for genuine victims.
As of the time of filing this report, the arrested individuals were undergoing profiling and would be referred to relevant agencies for further evaluation and potential reintegration programmes.
EDMA parades commercial sèx workers arrested in Edo State.
— Raymond (@ThisIsTheIroko) August 4, 2025
Is there like a law against this? pic.twitter.com/VWAwnjV5ff
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