THE UPSURGE OF PROSTITUTION IN NIGERIA AND ITS EFFECT ON BENUE YOUTHS: THE CHURCH OPINION

Abstract

This research paper entitled, “The Upsurge of Prostitution in Nigeria and its Effect on Benue Youths: The Church Opinion” undertakes a critical examination of the prevalence of prostitution in Nigeria with specific emphasis on how this affects the youths in Benue State and how the church might intervene to stop the ugly trend. To achieve this objective, the research adopts the qualitative research method since the aim is not merely to describe and explain the practice of prostitution but also to actively engage victims of prostitution in order to get first hand information that will aid informed decisions. Consequently, the paper obtains data from interviews and observations, in addition to official documents, personal records, and records of eyewitnesses. The paper finds that prostitution is not only prevalent in Benue state but is also endemic as it is found in all the towns within the State and is practiced by men and women of all ages. The paper also finds that most prostitutes in the state get involve in the practice due to a plethora of problems and will not want to be prostitutes otherwise. Based on the strength of these findings, the paper concludes that the Church, in accord with its mandate of saving the miserable and lost souls and bringing all to God’s eternal kingdom, is uniquely qualified to combat the scourge, not by coercive means but through love and care. The paper recommends that, rather than seeing prostitutes as offenders of the law and sinners, all Christians should see prostitutes the same way our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ saw them: as slaves and victims of injustice and inequality in the society who need help.