From our Correspondent, Enugu
Reportedly, some gay suspects in Enugu State have narrowly escaped death by mob action.
This is coming as the practice seemingly gain more acceptance in the country; especially amongst the youths.
According to media reports; on 7th July, 2021 the suspects who are said to be on the run, were nabbed by a local Vigilante group in Uwani town, Enugu South Local government area of the State.
The security outfit were said to had acted on a reliable undercover information.
The operatives bursted the suspects at about 9:00 p.m while making love behind locked door, it was said.
They had been under its surveillance for awhile, leader of the Vigilante group, Okeke Israel was quoted to had told Journalists.
The names of the suspects were given as Nnabuchi Tobechukwu Chinecherem and Chidozie Kosisochukwu Emmanuel.
Israel said the Vigilante was alerted by its agent secretly planted on the suspects.
“We swiftly stormed the scene where they were already deep in the act, and bundled them out” he said.
They were immediately handed over to the Police for further questioning and possible prosecuton in the Court of law.
“But unfortunately as I speak to you, the Police are saying that the suspects have escaped from the hospital where they were admitted for medical attention. And we asked: how?
“This is worrisome and unacceptable, we see it as gross negligence of responsibility by the Police.
“We are bent on ridding our community and environ of all forms of social vices and criminality; hence we insist that the suspects must be brought to justice, to serve as deterrent to others.
“As you all know, gay practice is not known to our culture and tradition; hence it is forbidden and a taboo. Even the laws of our nation; Nigeria forbids it.
“Therefore, we see this as a crime that must be seriously frowned at; condemned by all standard and must not be encouraged.”
The Vigilante leader reminded that the law which banned gay marriage has not been repealed; a minimum of 14 years imprisonment with hard labour in the country.
Also, the local community of Uwani has its own ways of punishing offenders, he added.
However, a witness was said to had narrated that the suspects were almost lynched by a crowd of mob attracted to the scene; but for the timely arrival of the Police who took them away unconscious. “I pray they survive.” To he witness said.
But the local Police Authorities refused to speak when contacted, as at the time of filing this report.