By LegalLinkz Newsroom
A young Nigerian man has reportedly lost his life in a shocking act of violence in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after he was allegedly pushed from a two-storey building by a group of men suspected to be homophobic attackers.
According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports circulating within the community, the tragic incident occurred late Thursday night in the Diobu area of the city.
The victim, whose identity is being withheld pending family notification, was said to have been lured to the building by individuals who pretended to be friendly before turning on him in a violent confrontation.
Residents reported hearing heated arguments followed by loud screams moments before the young man fell from the balcony of the building.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival due to severe head injuries and multiple fractures.
Community Outrage and Calls for Justice
The gruesome killing has sparked outrage among human rights activists and advocacy groups, who have condemned the incident as yet another example of the growing wave of anti-LGBTQ+ violence in Nigeria.
A Port Harcourt-based human rights advocate who spoke to LegalLinkz.com on condition of anonymity described the event as “a horrifying reminder of how deeply rooted intolerance and hate crimes remain in our society.”
“No one deserves to die because of who they are or who they love. This is a human rights tragedy and a failure of our justice system to protect vulnerable citizens,” the activist said.
Police Investigation Underway
The Rivers State Police Command has reportedly launched an investigation into the killing.
Police sources confirmed that several suspects have been identified, though no arrests have been officially announced.
A senior officer at the Mile 1 Police Division told LegalLinkz.com that detectives are “actively pursuing leads to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
He added that the police are also working to verify claims that the attack was motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation.
The spokesperson for the Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, while responding to inquiries, assured that the case would be treated with “utmost seriousness and professionalism.”
Widening Fear Within the LGBTQ+ Community
The tragic death has heightened fear among members of the LGBTQ+ community in Rivers State and across the country, many of whom say they already live in constant fear of exposure, harassment, and violence.
Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2014 criminalizes same-sex relationships and public displays of affection, creating a hostile environment that emboldens homophobic attacks and discrimination.
Activists argue that the law has indirectly fueled mob actions and hate crimes, making it difficult for victims or witnesses to report such incidents to the authorities for fear of persecution or public shaming.
A Call for Protection and Reform
Human rights groups and legal advocates have called on the government to urgently investigate the Port Harcourt killing and to take stronger measures to safeguard the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of their sexual orientation or identity.
The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy in Nigeria (CHRAN), in a statement, urged the National Human Rights Commission and the Police Service Commission to ensure transparency in the investigation and prosecute those responsible.
“This is not just about one victim; it is about a society that must confront the danger of hate-based violence,” the statement read. “Silence and inaction will only embolden more killers.”
As the investigation continues, the victim’s family is said to be devastated and seeking justice.
His tragic death adds to a growing list of hate-related killings that highlight the urgent need for legal protection, tolerance education, and community awareness in Nigeria.
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