…one murdered in Auchi, Edo State community
Vigilance groups, mostly composed by the Islamic faithful in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government area of Edo State, have reportedly launched a manhunt for a 26-year old man, Ediri Foster Oteri, said to be involved in gay practice and to be aiding and abetting homosexuality in the neighbourhood.
Oteri, who hails from Warri in Delta State, is believed to have been involved in the unlawful act for three years, first giving impetus to homosexual relationship between his close male friend, Habib Jimoh, who was dating another man, simply identified as Julius.
Community sources revealed to our correspondent that while Julius backed out of the act two years ago following reprimand from family elders, Oteri transmuted to Habib’s new bisexual partner.
It was, further, gathered that Habib was murdered last year allegedly by religious extremists, who are currently on the trail of Oteri, forcing the latter to go into hiding.
Recalling the episode to newsmen in Auchi over the weekend, a community source who craved anonymity for safety reasons, said the whereabouts of Oteri had not been known after he survived a recent mob attack in his home, leading to a loss of properties, and leaving him hospitalised.
Narrating the origin of Oteri’s ordeal, the source said, “They were actually sighted by some youths who assaulted the two gay lovers and their accomplice, Oteri; but that Oteri tried to justify the act by saying what they were doing was an expression of true love.
“Indeed, the culprits were caught red-handed as they were kissing and groaning in ecstasy.
“They did not deny the act as they admitted that they had been dating each other for a long time,” the source revealed.
The source stressed further that in the first attack, Oteri infuriated his traducers by claiming that the attack on his childhood friend, Habib, and his fellow male lover, Julius, was an infringement on fundamental human rights.
The source also noted that once Julius refused to be gay any longer, Oteri started dating Habib, which was widely resented by others in the community, especially the Muslims.
“The whole thing came to a head when they caught Oteri and Habib at a mall, in a compromising position,” the source added.
The hoodlums, it was similarly gathered, invaded Oteri’s home thereafter, during which he was brutally attacked, landing him in the hospital, while his valuables were vandalised.
Habib, the source disclosed, was killed a year after the incident, allegedly by religious extremists.
Oteri, the source additionally mentioned a protest by supporters, condemning the attacks and calling for justice. However, this only intensified the trail against Oteri.
All efforts to reach Oteri proved abortive as he was said to be in hiding, running for dear life.
In Nigeria, anyone found culpable in homosexual practice risks a 14-year jail term.
