Port Harcourt, Nigeria — The LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria is in mourning following the tragic death of Hilary, a young gay man who died from injuries sustained in a brutal assault. His passing has sparked renewed demands for justice and safety for LGBTQ+ individuals across the country.
Activist Reverend Jide Macaulay, who posted the news on social media, revealed that Hilary was lured into a meeting under deceptive circumstances, where he was violently attacked and ultimately thrown from a second-story building. This incident marks the second reported fatality linked to a trend known as “kito,” where individuals pose as LGBTQ+ online to entice and harm queer people. Macaulay lamented the loss, stating that “two beautiful souls” have been taken due to societal hatred and a lack of protection for vulnerable communities.
Hilary’s death underscores the dire situation facing LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria, where same-sex relationships are illegal under the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, carrying consequences of up to 14 years in prison. In regions governed by Sharia law, penalties can escalate to public flogging or even execution. Violent attacks and mob behavior directed toward queer individuals have significantly increased, reflecting a worrying trend in the nation’s social climate.
Recent incidents have exacerbated fears among the LGBTQ+ community. Popular transgender influencer Area Mama was brutally murdered in Abuja earlier this year, believed to be the result of a targeted hate crime, while a gay couple in Port Harcourt was attacked for merely being together in public. These events have fueled calls for accountability and reform, as activists argue that the government must take concrete steps to protect its citizens.
Macaulay, who founded the House of Rainbow—a faith-based initiative supporting LGBTQ+ Christians—has been a vocal advocate for inclusivity and rights. After facing threats in Nigeria, he relocated to the UK, where he continues to provide emotional and spiritual support to queer individuals within Nigeria and the diaspora.
Many human rights organizations are urging the Nigerian government to launch thorough investigations into hate crimes and to institute protections for marginalized communities. Calls for the repeal of discriminatory laws have intensified, as activists strive to create a safer environment for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.
As Hilary’s story reverberates through the community, it serves as an urgent reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria. The necessity for change is clear, as advocates continue to push for a society where compassion and acceptance can thrive over fear and violence.