There was tension in parts of Enugu State as a group of married women took to the streets in protest against alleged sex workers operating within their communities, accusing them of destabilizing homes and luring away husbands and young men.
The women, who marched through major roads in a coordinated demonstration, carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Ashawo must go” and “Leave our husbands alone,” while chanting solidarity songs that drew the attention of residents and passers-by.
According to the protesters, the presence and activities of the alleged sex workers contributed to rising cases of marital disputes, broken homes and what they described as moral decline in the affected areas.
They alleged that several married men and youths have been drawn into illicit relationships, a development they said had led to increasing instability within families and strained domestic relationships.
One of the protest leaders said the demonstration was aimed at drawing the attention of community leaders and relevant authorities to what she described as a growing social problem requiring urgent intervention.
She stressed the need to restore discipline and order in the communities, insisting that the situation was affecting the stability of homes and the upbringing of children.
The protest briefly disrupted movement in parts of the city as the women blocked sections of the road while continuing their procession.
While the action remained largely peaceful, it generated mixed reactions among residents, with some expressing support for the women’s concerns and others urging a more structured and lawful approach to addressing the issue.
Authorities were yet to issue an official response as of the time of filing this report.