Nigerian gay man dies following brutal homophobic attack
– 2 min read
Nigeria’s LGBTQ+ community is grieving following the death of Hilary, a young gay man who succumbed to injuries sustained during a vicious homophobic assault in Port Harcourt.
The news was confirmed by LGBTQ rights activist Reverend Jide Macaulay, who shared the heartbreaking update via Instagram. According to Macaulay’s post, Hilary was deceived and lured into a meeting under false pretences, where he was beaten and thrown from a two-storey building. He later died from spinal cord injuries inflicted during the attack.
“This is the second reported kito-related death in Nigeria in just two weeks,” Macaulay wrote, referring to a disturbing trend in which individuals pose as LGBTQ+ online to entrap and assault queer people. “Two beautiful souls gone because of hate, fear, and the failure of our society to protect its own.”
Hilary’s death has reignited calls for justice and protection for Nigeria’s LGBTQ+ population, who continue to face legal persecution, social ostracism, and violent attacks. Under Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, same-sex relationships are criminalised, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison. In northern states governed by Sharia law, punishments can include public flogging or even death by stoning.
The country has seen a disturbing rise in mob violence and targeted killings of queer individuals. In August, popular trans influencer Area Mama was found murdered in Abuja, believed to be the victim of a hate crime. In October, a gay couple in Port Harcourt was publicly assaulted simply for being seen together.
Despite these dangers, activists like Macaulay continue to speak out. As the founder of House of Rainbow, a faith-based initiative supporting LGBTQ Christians, he has long advocated for inclusion and safety. Forced to flee Nigeria due to threats, Macaulay now works from the UK, offering spiritual and emotional support to queer Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.
Hilary’s death is a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform. Human rights organisations have called on the Nigerian government to investigate hate crimes, protect vulnerable communities, and repeal discriminatory laws.
