LGBTQ: Rights activist cries out as mob burn one alive, others severely wounded
Joseph Akintola, Lagos
A human rights activist of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community (LGBTQ), Mr Paschal Alex has alleged endless persecution of the LGBTQ community in Nigeria.
He spoke in reaction to a recent incident in Lagos State, where a mob set ablaze a homosexuals.
Our correspondent learnt that the group met at a location in Lagos for a party but unknown to them some members of the community and undercover policemen were on their trail.
Sources hinted that as they assembled for their party, an angry mob descended on them and in the ensuing melee, one of them was mobbed and set ablaze, while others escaped with injuries.
The deceased was identified as James Okoh, aged 28, was said to have hailed from Anambra State, South-East Nigeria.
Police authorities in the state confirmed that five members of the illegal group have been declared wanted.
They include: Chineme Isaac born on 18th February, 2001, Paul Chima born on 5th April, 1999, Kayode Alabi 16th August, 2002, Okwor Zimuzo Merrick born on 27th, March 2000 and Seun Afolabi born on 2nd September, 1998.
Okwor Zimuzo Merrick
Spokesman of the police in the state urged members of the public to provide useful information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
They would face a minimum of 14 years in jail for engaging in homosexuals activity.
Addressing journalists, Alex lamented that the members of LGBTQ community had become endangered species in the country.
He recalled what he described as the gruesome murder of a young man in Lagos State by an angry mob.
According to him, “in November 2023, angry youths in the Festac town, Lagos burnt to death a young man who was identified as James Okoh.
“They were attacked when the group members were holding their party. While James was murdered, others escaped with serious injuries.”
He urged that there should be respect for the rights of members of the LGBTQ community, who he said could be found everywhere in the society, among husbands, wives, brothers and sisters.
Same sex relationship is prohibited by the Nigerian laws and has a penalty of 14 years imprisonment.
Some of the LGBTQ members have also been victims of jungle justice.
Just this year, a crossdresser, popularly known as Bobrisky, has come under serious danger over her lifestyle.
