Business property worth millions of naira have been set ablaze by angry mobs in Agbor Delta State.
This was, as the community lays manhunt on an indigene who was allegedly involved in homosexual practices.
Favour Keagborekuzi Atuye, a father of two children, had no inkling of the grave danger ahead of him while he was allegedly engaging in ramonce with his gay partner, also identified as Godspower Ikechukwu Okwuazu, in a public space close to Favour’s barbershop at the cool evening of Sunday, October, 29, 2023.
An elder of the community who pleaded anonymity at press time, disclosed that homosexuality is considered as a taboo in Agbor kingdom, affirming that the abominable act proscribed stiffer penalties that include stoning to death of anyone caught in the act.
He said the suspects were caught by a by passer-by in the community while kissing themselves by the road side having stepped out from a car, adding that the passer-by raised the alarm which triggered the action of the irate mob.
Recall that Nigeria‘s Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, enacted in 2014, criminalizes same-sex marriage and public display of same-sex relationship with prison sentences of up to 14 and 10 years, respectively It also punishes establishing, supporting, and participating in gay organizations with up to 10 years in prison.
Also, an eyewitness account confirmed that Favour and his partner (Godspower) were caught engaging in the illegal act.
He revealed that the mob descended on the suspect but Favour narrowly escaped while Godspower was beating until he became unconscious, adding that Godspower was handed over to the police who took him to their clinic, where he later escaped.
The witness further disclosed that following the escape of Favour, who was said to be the prime suspect, led the angry mod to set his barbershop ablaze.
As at the time of this report, the community had declared Favour Keagborekuzi Atuye and Godspower Ikechukwu Okwuazu wanted, assuring handsome reward for whoever will provide useful information leading to their arrest as their whereabouts remain unknown.
Culled from Ika Weekly Newspaper
