Homosexuals escape mob in Iyana Ilogbo
An alleged homosexual, Tunde Ibidapo, is wanted in relation to a case of homosexual activity in Iyana Ilogbo a suburb community in Ogun State.
Sequel to the recent violent protest carried out by the residents of Iyana Ilogbo community for the unlawful phasing out and elimination of homosexuals in the area, the police command recently advised parents and guardians to warn their children and wards who engage in illegal attacks and hounding of homosexuals in the society to desist from it.
The command warned that the police and the other security agencies will deal continually with any individual or group that will take laws into their hands thereby breaching peace and causing mayhem in the city.
The recent case involved two homosexuals in Iyana Ilogbo, Ogun state, namely, Tunde Ibidapo and Ben Okafor. The two residents In Iyana Ilogbo were caught having carnal knowledge of each other on March 10, 2024.
According to a close source, the two men had been “perpetrating this ungodly act for a long time now without the knowledge of people until they were caught.”
News gathered said youths had surrounded the abode of Tunde, throwing stones on top of the roof of the house chanting abusive songs, even attempting to burn down the whole house to snuff the life out of Tunde Ibidapo and family.
This was a gory experience for his family until the policemen came to rescue the situation. The whereabouts of Tunde Ibidapo and family is not known at the time of our report but information says Tunde had escaped and he is wanted.
The Nigerian society and government considers gay, lesbians, trans and other like activities a criminal act; the reason Tunde Ibidapo is at large.
According to the community, “The whereabouts of Tunde and family are not known and we are very concerned.”
Source revealed that Tunde Ibidapo and Ben Okafor were caught red handed by a neighbour who said he had been suspecting them for some time but wasn’t sure. The neighbour said he traced them to an uncompleted building and caught them having sex.
Ben Okafor was apprehended while Tunde Ibidapo escaped. Ben Okafor was beaten mercilessly by an angry mob who considered him an abomination. He was however rescued by elders in the community who convinced the mob not to take laws into their hands, the elders alternatively handed Ben Okafor to the police. Tunde Ibidapo who is said to be at large is yet to be seen and all efforts to get his location proved abortive, as the youths in the community of Iyana Ilogbo continue to search for him so that he can also be punished.
Iyana Ilogbo, per its inhabitants, is described “as a mini Nigeria due to the presence of people with different cultures and various ethnic backgrounds, and that homosexuality could be a problem in the area made of twenty – seven villages but it is not its only challenge.
“It is a place of great hospitality where people co-exist happily despite its fair share of gangsterism, robbery, homosexuality, and cultism.”
Even though Nigerian law criminalises LGBTQ, it is also noteworthy that the life of every citizen is worthy to be protected, including that of homosexuals. Fairness and justice must reign which is why we are campaigning against people taking laws into their hands.
