In a horrifying incident, local media in Nigeria report that a group of high school students allegedly murdered two of their classmates after accusing them of engaging in same-sex intimacy.
The attack occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. on 14 July in Kano State. According to reports, the students assaulted four of their schoolmates over “suspicions of homosexual activity”.
The mob allegedly beat the victims with metal objects known as “Gwale-Gwale” as a form of punishment.
Two Killed, Two Hospitalised
Two of the assaulted students, named as Hamza Idris-Tofawa and Umar Yusuf-Dungurawa, died during the attack. The other two victims were taken to hospital in a serious condition.
The Kano State Police Command has arrested 11 students in connection with the brutal assault.
An official from the Ministry of Education was quoted as urging students to “avoid taking the law into your hands and always report matters of concern to the school authorities for appropriate action.”
Government Promises Investigation
The Kano State government described the incident as “unfortunate and tragic” and has pledged “a thorough, fair and transparent investigation to uncover the truth and ensure justice for all involved.”
Kano is one of 12 Nigerian states that enforce Shari’a-based criminal laws, which include the death penalty for individuals found “guilty” of homosexuality.
The attack underscores the consequence of laws and policies that dehumanise LGBTQ+ people, creating a climate where violence, discrimination, and even murder are not only possible but tragically inevitable.
Widespread Persecution
Under national laws rooted in colonial-era legislation, Nigeria also imposes a 14-year prison sentence on anyone convicted of consensual same-sex acts.
The Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, enacted in 2014, further criminalises same-sex marriages and relationships, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison. Public displays of same-sex affection or involvement in LGBTIQ+ organisations can lead to up to 10 years of imprisonment.
Police are known to parade individuals arrested under homosexuality charges in front of the media, and officers have reportedly used dating apps to blackmail queer individuals with threats of arrest and prosecution.
