Asaba — Commercial sex workers in Umunede Delta State, have allegedly beaten three customers into a coma over their refusal to effect complete payment after several rounds of sex. LEADERSHIP SUNDAY gathered that the angry prostitutes descended on their customers who were said to have taken Viagra (hard sex drugs) before seeking them out.

Expectedly, commercial sex workers in Umunede operate from different brothels to woo unsuspecting travellers, en route Benin-Asaba to the eastern parts of the country at night into having fun with them. The going rate, for what is called "daybreak", is N8,000 to N10,000 depending on what is agreed upon.

Sources said the incident which took place on Thursday night involved Igbo traders travelling from Benin to Onitsha who were stranded at Umunede when their vehicle broke down at nightfall.

Thus, the traders sought accommodation, only to discover that all the hotels were brothels filled with sex workers. They were said to have negotiated to sleep with a few of them on "daybreak" menu but this was not to be as they tried to elope without paying in full.

Eyewitness said that the prostitutes, in anger, teamed up and dealt them heavy blows, leaving them with deep-cut injuries. They were taken to the hospital in Benin after the intervention of some elders in the area.

Sources close to the hospital where the victims were admitted (University of Benin Teaching Hospital UBTH) said they might not survive following heavy loss of blood.

A medical doctor who did not want his name in print told our correspondent on phone that the victims were in bad shape and still in danger due to deep cuts in their heads. All efforts to stop the bleeding failed, he said.

The victims' names were given as Emeka, Nnamdi, and Cornelius who hail from Imo State but live in Benin City where they deal in vehicle spare parts.

Police spokesman in the state, ASP Charles Muka could not confirm the story. He said he was yet to be briefed on the incident but the divisional police officer in the area confirmed the story, adding that the case was under investigation after six of the prostitutes were arrested while others took to their heels.