A teenage boy, Okpe David Prince, has escaped being killed by residents of Osunjobi community in Iwo Local Government, Osun State, over alleged gay practices.
Information made available to journalists hinted that Okpe David Prince was in a hotel with his gay partner, not knowing that they were being recorded by one of the hotel’s staff.
Our reporter, however, gathered that the man who recorded the video used the clips to extort money several times from Okpe David Prince before Okpe was unable to satisfy his monetary demands.
The clips were then released to the youths of the community, who later apprehended Okpe David Prince, stripped him naked, and paraded him within the community.
Although Okpe David Prince’s partner reportedly escaped, information made available to journalists disclosed that Okpe David Prince was handed over to community leaders for proper punishment for engaging in gay practices, which is considered an abomination in the community and Nigeria at large.
Luck, however, was in favour of Okpe David Prince as he was rescued and managed to escape from the community before his judgment day.
His whereabouts are presently unknown as the community is seriously searching for him to face the village heads for judgment.
Our reporter gathered that Okpe David Prince has fled the state for fear of being lynched to death.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Osun State Police Command confirmed the incident and said that further investigations are ongoing to apprehend Okpe David Prince.
“The incident was reported to the police, and we are actively working to apprehend the alleged gay man.”
The police, however, warned the community leaders not to take the law into their own hands but to ensure that Okpe David Prince is handed over to the police anytime he visits the community.
“Although the boy has committed an abomination, we have warned the community leaders not to take the law into their hands, and they should report him whenever he is spotted within the area.”