A family of 3 from Agege mainland in Lagos State has reportedly gone into hiding following escalating threats and violence linked to the refusal of the head of the family being a bisexual, a practice not observed or allowed in state.
Residents of the area identified the head of the family as Mr. Monsuru Tijani, who lived with his wife and child at No. 17 abusatu Street, papa ashafa Agege, Lagos.
According to multiple sources within the community, tensions began earlier this year after Mr. Tijani repeatedly declined pressure from community elders to make him put a stop to his male gender relationship, in line with longstanding local customs.
Community insiders disclosed that the family had earlier relocated from Agege Local Government Area to Alimosho in an attempt to avoid such pressures, but were allegedly tracked and summoned back by influential leaders insisting on compliance with tradition.
Matters reportedly escalated in late December to early January when a group of cultist and soldiers, believed to be acting under the direction of community authorities, visited the family’s clothing store which was located in Agege. Eyewitnesses described a confrontation that turned violent, leaving workers injured.
Unconfirmed reports also indicate that Mr. Tijani’s wife, who was pregnant at the time, suffered a miscarriage following the incident.
Following the attack, Mr. Tijani was said to have reported the matter to law enforcement authorities. However, sources claim that no decisive action was taken, with jurisdictional issues and alleged local influence complicating the case.
In the days that followed, neighbours reported that the family abruptly vacated their residence. Since then, their whereabouts remain unknown.
“There have been rumours that they fled the country for safety,” a resident who requested anonymity said. “Nobody has seen them since the incident, and people are saying they may have travelled abroad.”
Other sources suggested the family may have initially relocated to another state before possibly leaving Nigeria entirely, although this could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
Community leaders contacted for comment declined to provide detailed statements but maintained that cultural traditions must be respected.
Human rights observers states the Universal declaration of human rights, article 1: “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”
As of press time, efforts to confirm the current location and safety of the Tijani family have not been successful.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident
