By Musa Peace Affos, NewDay Newspaper

Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, is fast becoming a hub for commercial sex work, raising alarm over its social, moral, and economic implications. A recent investigation by NewDay Newspaper uncovered troubling realities in seven brothels across the city, revealing the plight of individuals trapped in this trade and the factors driving them into it.  

This report highlights the moral concerns, the economic pressures at play, and the urgent need for interventions to discourage underage and child prostitution, as well as to offer viable alternatives for those involved.  


 The Hidden Lives Behind Closed Doors

During our investigation, we spoke with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including neighboring states such as Benue, Gombe, and Adamawa, who found themselves in Jalingo due to various circumstances. Many of them disclosed that they turned to sex work as a last resort to survive, with some citing family responsibilities or the lack of other opportunities.  

In one brothel, mostly inhabited by young women between the ages of 16 and 19—predominantly secondary school dropouts—the story was particularly disheartening. These girls reported paying their “madam” a daily fee of ₦700 to remain in business, keeping whatever was left for themselves. When asked what happened on days they failed to earn the required amount, one of the girls, who wished to remain anonymous, smiled faintly and said, “If we don’t have customers, it’s our problem; the madam’s fee is non-negotiable.”  

In another brothel, the occupants were mostly older women, many of whom had been in the trade for decades. Some of them expressed regret over their choices, wishing they had pursued education or alternative means of livelihood.  

One striking discovery was a brothel housing both male and female sex workers. Aisha Jibrin, a young woman in her early 20s, expressed a deep desire to reunite with her family. “This was not the life I dreamed of,” she told our reporter. “I just want to go back home and start afresh.”  

Moral Implications

The increasing prevalence of commercial sex work in Jalingo raises critical moral questions for society. The involvement of underage girls, some as young as 16, is a stark reminder of the erosion of family values and the failure of societal systems to protect vulnerable individuals. Many of the young women admitted that their families were unaware of their activities, underscoring the secrecy and shame surrounding the trade.  

Faith leaders, traditional rulers, and community members must step up to address this issue, promoting values that discourage the exploitation of women and girls while fostering an environment of dignity and respect.  

Economic Pressures and the Need for Viable Alternatives
 
For many, commercial sex work is a means to an end. Some of the women we spoke with mentioned using their earnings to support their families or send siblings to school. However, the economic instability of this lifestyle often perpetuates the cycle of poverty and exploitation.  

Amina, a young woman from Adamawa State, said, “If I had a job or a business, I would leave this life today. But what else can I do?”  

This highlights the urgent need for government and private stakeholders to create sustainable employment opportunities and skill acquisition programs, especially for young people. Empowering women with education and vocational training is key to breaking the cycle of dependency and exploitation.  


Underage Prostitution: A Call for Action

The involvement of underage girls in commercial sex work is particularly alarming. Many of them, like those found in one of the brothels, are secondary school dropouts who lack the guidance and resources to pursue education or find meaningful employment.  

Stakeholders must prioritize policies and initiatives to ensure that every child has access to education and support systems. Programs targeting vulnerable youth, such as scholarships, mentorship schemes, and vocational training, can go a long way in keeping young girls off the streets and away from exploitation.  


Voices of Hope

While the stories shared during our investigation were heartbreaking, they also revealed glimmers of hope. Many of the individuals expressed a desire to leave the trade if given a chance. Aisha Jibrin’s longing to reunite with her family is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience.  

“I know I made mistakes, but I want to make things right,” Aisha said. “I just need someone to help me take the first step.”  


 Conclusion

The rise of commercial sex work in Jalingo is a complex issue rooted in economic hardship, lack of education, and societal challenges. Addressing this worrisome trend requires a multi-faceted approach involving moral reorientation, economic empowerment, and targeted interventions for vulnerable groups.  

As a society, we must come together to provide support and opportunities for those trapped in this trade, ensuring a brighter future for our youth and restoring dignity to our communities.  


This report was compiled by Musa Peace Affos, a reporter with NewDay Newspaper, who visited seven brothels in Jalingo to uncover the realities of commercial sex work.