Lesbian woman killed, partner attacked in Benin

A tragic case of homophobic violence has unfolded on Ikpema Street, near the Agbado area of Benin City as a group of young men attacked two women, one of whom was fatally shot.

The victims, identified as Imade Imarhia and Natasha Ojo Uyi were attacked on February 10, 2024 over allegations of being lesbians.

Natasha Ojo Uyi is the daughter of Ojo Uyi, a car dealer at Sapele Road and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a leading political party in the country.

Eyewitnesses reported that while the two women were walking together, a group of youths began harassing them, accusing them of being lesbians they have been “looking for.”

Natasha Ojo Uyi reportedly confronted the attackers, demanding an explanation for the harassment. The situation escalated when one of the youths drew a gun and shot her dead.

The gun shot sent bystanders fleeing, allowing the assailants to escape.

Imade Imarhia was also attacked, sustaining severe head injury after being struck with the butt of a gun. She was later rushed by a good Nigerian to an undisclosed medical facility in an unconscious state.

Following the attacks, security personnel, local residents and Natasha’s family launched a search for Imade and the perpetrators.

Imade is said to have been declared wanted for her to come and explain her role in the death of Natasha, being the last person that was seen with Natasha before her death.

According to a reliable source, Imarhia and Natasha, by their actions have committed a sacrilege for which Imade’s life is in danger of being killed like Natasha.

It was reliably gathered that Imade has since been denounced by her family, including her parents for bringing the family to disrepute for what was considered as a taboo in the society.

The family was also said to have declared that they have nothing to do with Natasha henceforth, describing her as an embarrassment to the family.

Meanwhile, authorities have also reportedly begun a manhunt to apprehend those responsible for the extrajudicial killing and also placed a reward for anyone with information that could lead to Imade’s arrest

In a disturbing turn of events, Natasha’s father, along with security operatives, allegedly in search of Imade located the family, leading to the arrest and detention of her parents. As of press time, they remained in custody.

Homosexuality remains criminalised in Nigeria, with same-sex relationships punishable by up to 14years in prison under Same -Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act.

However, the brutal killing of Natasha Ojo Uyi has sparked concerns over rising mob violence and jungle justice in cases involving LGBTQ+ individuals.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on whether arrests have been made regarding the killing, while LGBTQ+ rights activits continue to call for justice and an end to violence against sexual minorities in Nigeria