Survivor recounts brutal attack by militia after LGBTQ events in Nigeria

On July 13, 2017, Tony and his friends, Samuel, Tega and George were returning from an LGBTQ event when they encountered members of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), a local militia group. The group accused them of dressing inappropriately and displaying signs of homosexuality.

The militia forcibly confiscated their phones and scrutinised their chats. Upon discovering photos they deemed incriminating, the militia began to beat them mercilessly. While Tega and George managed to escape, Tony and Samuel were unable to flee.

The attackers escalated the violence, bringing out used tires with the apparent intention of carrying out jungle justice, possibly intending to set them ablaze.

Samuel's life was saved by the timely intervention of a good Samaritan who immediately contacted military personnel from a nearby base not far from the scene of the incident. Upon their arrival, they were able to disperse the attackers and prevent further harm. However, Samuel, who was unconscious and severely beaten, had already endured a harrowing ordeal.