Clampdown pushes homosexuals underground

While the fate of 42 young men charged by the Lagos State police command over their alleged homosexuality, hangs in the balance at the court, the rising cases of homosexuality in Kebbi State has become worrisome to the state government, with statistics showing that even children have been initiated into the menace.

During a recent visit by the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Bala Mairiga, to prisons across the state, it was discovered that about 70 per cent of minors’ cases were homosexuality. It was further gathered that Jega Local Council has the highest cases of homosexual, followed by Zuru, Birnin Kebbi, Bunza and Kamba councils.

Speaking on the increasing trend of homosexuality in the country, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Garba Abari, urged youths to stop wearing dreadlocks and saggy trousers. “The wearing of tattoos, dreadlocks, sagging trousers and painting of hair have become a vogue among our young men, due to their exposure to satellite broadcasting, and this is influencing the new trend of embracing lifestyles that are inimical to our traditional culture, religious values and identity as a people.”

Meanwhile, the police have increased manhunt for a homosexual suspect, James Bayo Erinle after over five months of disappearance. He was attacked and mobbed by hoodlums at Afe Street, Muritala Mohammed Road in Sabo Yaba area of Lagos State for allegedly involving in a same-sex relationship.

According to police sources, James had been deported from Canada on April 1, 2017 only to be reconnected with his former schoolmate and gay partner. Neighbours suspecting the duo of James and his male partner pounced on them and were about to lynch them on April 6, when they were rescued from the hoodlums and taken to the hospital.

Managing director of Dera Clinic, Dr. O.O. Oladonjoye, in a medical report told investigators that the victim, now at large, was treated for multiple body injuries sustained during the assault at Yaba, but discharged himself on April 7, on self-request, sensing that his life was in danger.The Investigating Police Officer at Area F, Inspector A. Abiodun, said the duo are being investigated for the alleged offence.