Nigerian activist forced into exile faces persecution

In a sad story about love, keeping things secret, and facing mistreatment, a person from Nigeria, known as Mr. Kindness, has told about their tough challenge trying to be true to themselves in a society that doesn’t accept their sexual orientation.

The story dates back to June 2015 when Mr. Kindness discovered his love for his best friend, Uche Njuko, in a society governed by strict anti-gay laws. Fearing societal backlash, the pair kept their relationship hidden. However, in 2019, their secret was exposed by Mr. Kindness’ parents, who, instead of reporting them to the authorities, urged him to find a girlfriend to conceal his identity, believing he was possessed by a demon.

The situation escalated when Mr. Kindness sought religious intervention at Christ the Solution Centre, facing prolonged fasting and prayer sessions. Disillusioned and physically weakened, he decided to discontinue the church’s deliverance program, leading to his suspension due to his bisexuality.

Attempting to escape the oppressive environment, Mr. Kindness joined Christ Apostolic Church and later secured a visa to pursue a degree in Canada, with his elder brother sponsoring his education. However, troubles continued to haunt him as rumors of his sexuality spread in his hometown, Siluko.

Tragedy struck on August 25, 2023, when Mr. Kindness received news of his partner, Uche Njuko, being arrested, beaten, and handed over to the police by community youth. Devastatingly, his parents were killed by the same youth who posed as bandits, burning down their family home. In December of the same year, his elder brother was abducted.

Shockingly, despite the atrocities committed against Mr. Kindness and his family, the police declared him guilty of unspecified charges, intensifying the ordeal. The police even issued an arrest warrant, dead or alive, further highlighting the grave injustices faced by individuals targeted due to their sexual orientation. Meanwhile the whereabouts of his brother has remained unknown till date.

One important thing remains, though, Mr Kindness should never dream of returning home to Nigeria in the foreseeable future, otherwise he would be condemned to history.

This tragic tale sheds light on the urgent need for awareness and action to address discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria, urging authorities to investigate the crimes committed against Mr. Kindness and his family.