Port Harcourt, Nigeria — The LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria is in mourning following the tragic death of a young gay man named Hilary, who died from injuries inflicted during a brutal homophobic attack. This incident has highlighted the ongoing threats faced by queer individuals in a country where discrimination and violence remain pervasive.
Activist Reverend Jide Macaulay confirmed Hilary’s death through an emotional Instagram post, detailing how he was lured to a deceptive meeting, brutally beaten, and ultimately thrown from a two-story building. The injuries he sustained from the assault, particularly to his spinal cord, proved fatal.
“This is the second death linked to a kito-related attack in Nigeria within a fortnight,” Macaulay wrote, referring to a concerning trend where individuals deceive others online to target members of the LGBTQ+ community. He lamented the loss of two promising lives, attributing their deaths to societal hatred, fear, and a failure to provide needed protections.
Hilary’s case has intensified calls for accountability and safety for LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria, who face severe legal repercussions, social exclusion, and violent acts. The nation’s Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act criminalizes same-sex relationships, imposing prison sentences of up to 14 years. In certain northern states governed by Sharia law, harsher penalties can include public execution.
Reports indicate a troubling uptick in mob violence and targeted killings against queer individuals. Earlier this year, Area Mama, a well-known trans influencer, was found murdered in Abuja, believed to have been targeted in a hate crime. In another incident in Port Harcourt, a gay couple faced public assault simply for their visible relationship.
Despite the danger, advocates like Macaulay persist in their fight for justice. As founder of the House of Rainbow, a faith-centered organization that supports LGBTQ Christians, he remains committed to promoting inclusive practices. After threats forced him to flee Nigeria, Macaulay has been operating from the UK, where he continues to offer emotional and spiritual guidance to queer Nigerians both locally and abroad.
Hilary’s tragic fate serves as a reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reforms. Human rights organizations are urging the Nigerian government to take meaningful action, including investigating hate crimes, protecting marginalized groups, and dismantling discriminatory laws that endanger lives. The outcry for change echoes through the community as they strive for safety and acceptance in a society that remains largely hostile.