By Gambo Isah, Kano
Angry Muslim youths went on a rampage, weekend, in Kano State, setting ablaze not less than seven shops belonging to some traders engaging in homosexual activities.
The incident occurred at Sheka Barde in Kumbotso local government area of Kano State.
A competent source told our correspondent that the men above 20 years of age had gathered at a popular drinking spot which had become notorious for housing homosexuals.
According to him, the sight of their presence infuriated some Muslim youths and they resorted to attacking the young men.
“They came after them fiercely with stones, woods and other dangerous weapons; they would have been killed outrightly but for the swift intervention of the Kano State Hisbah Board.
“The Hisbah arrived at the scene and were able to apprehend five of the homosexuals while a few of them of whose names were said to be Ruhun Ibrahim, Udeinya Norbert Odinakachukwu and others were able to escape,” the source disclosed.
It was, however, gathered that the infuriated mob later marched to the shops belonging to the suspected homosexuals and razed them down.
“They looted their shops after which they set what was remaining ablaze.
“One of those affected is one Mr. Udeinya Norbert Odinakachukwu, who is well known for operating a big plumbing shop. His shop was among those shops completely razed,” the source told our correspondent.
An eyewitness from the community who pleaded for anonymity confirmed to our correspondent that Mr. Norbert escaped death by the whiskers.
“He nearly lost his eyes as they hit him with a wood very close to his left eye.
“After his shop was razed down, he had to leave town for fear that they would still come looking for him because five of his colleagues were arrested,” the eyewitness said.
Meanwhile, the Commander General of the Hisbah Board, Dr Harun Ibn-Sina, confirmed the arrest of five of the suspects in a statement issued on Monday in Kano State.
The statement was signed by Malam Lawal Ibrahim, Public Relations Officer of the Board.
According to him, the arrests were made following reports from residents of the area.
“All the suspects confirmed to be above 20 years of age, were apprehended on July 11th during a special raid after a mob had tried to lynch them,” he said.
The commander-general expressed outrage over the alleged actions of the youths.
Ibn-Sina thanked members of the community and security stakeholders for their cooperation and support in cracking down on corruption in the state.
He said the suspects would be charged to court.
The commander-general urged youths to shun unwholesome practices as they were leaders of tomorrow.
Upon conviction, homosexuality and other unnatural sex habits carries a minimum penalty of 14 years imprisonment according to the Nigerian law.
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