Concerns as teenage prostitutes take over hotspots in Jos
Nana Plaza: A Hub of Hidden Struggles in Jos Metropolis
In the heart of Jos Metropolis, at the bustling Old Airport Junction, sits Nana Plaza, a modest one-storey building. Beneath its unassuming exterior, the plaza houses various shops on the ground floor and offices, including a law firm, on the upper level.
While the businesses on the ground are legitimate, the space behind Nana Plaza holds a different scenario. The rear of the building features an open area that hosts a variety of food canteens and beer parlors, serving quick meals and alcoholic beverages.
As night descends, however, the atmosphere at Nana Plaza transforms dramatically. By evening, the front of the building becomes a marketplace for vendors selling roasted fish, chicken, and various meats. In contrast, a group of young men, often referred to as the “Michika Boys,” engage in the sale of tobacco products, hot drinks, and illegal drugs.
Amidst these activities, the area also becomes notorious for its involvement in an underage prostitution ring. Reports indicate that teenage girls, some as young as 14 years old, enter the world of sex work after dark.
The illegal trade reportedly begins around 8 p.m. and continues into the early morning hours. An undercover investigation by a reporter revealed alarming insights from some of these young girls, who attributed their circumstances to a range of factors, including parental neglect, poverty, displacement due to violence, and peer pressure.
Rachael, a 16-year-old mother of one, shared her experience of being forced into prostitution after her boyfriend abandoned her and her parents expelled her from their home. “I had to do anything to survive,” she said. Rachael described how she was introduced to the sex trade by a local woman involved in the fish business.
Linda, another girl aged 15, recounted her traumatic past. After her community was attacked by armed groups, she sought refuge in a camp for displaced persons (IDP Camp) where conditions were dire, including exploitation from camp officials. “I escaped with a friend and ended up here,” she said, reflecting on her painful path.
Afiniki, an 18-year-old mother of two, cited negative influences and the loss of her father as contributing factors to her situation. Despite her regrets about engaging in prostitution, she highlighted the financial pressures she faces. “Depending on the number of men, I can make between N5,000 and N10,000 per night,” she explained, noting the harsh realities of her life.
As efforts to contact local authorities for comments on this issue were unsuccessful at the time of this report, the plight of these young individuals in and around Nana Plaza continues to raise concerns within the community.
