Benin City – One of the touchstones of a free society is the extent to which varying and differing opinions are accommodated. The freedom of choice is one that more and more civilized societies are defining to include respect for one’s sexual preferences and the stern refusal to persecute, prosecute, or criminalize one’s sexual orientation no matter how it may differ from the prevailing sexual norm of the majority.

Ever since the Nigerian Government criminalized homosexuality and all other so-called “unnatural offences “, gays and lesbians have come under increasing attacks from the largely homophobic and hypocritical majority . The manifest bias of traditional African culture against homosexuality coupled with the state-backed legislation, has fueled an atmosphere where gays and lesbians are targeted and lynched without even the luxury of a court trial. They are not only lynched and killed, but their bodies are not buried properly because homosexuality is seen as a taboo that needs to be eradicated and cleansed by rituals.

The recent case of one Osaro Bright underscores the need for urgent reform and decriminalization of homosexuality.

According to information reaching our news desk, the said Osaro Bright was beaten to pulp and was only lucky to have escaped with his life for allegedly having sex with an 18-year-old boy simply identified as Best. Some members of the teenager’s family led by the father who is an influential politician of the ruling All Progressive Party (APC) , where said to have ferociously attacked the said Osaro Bright and lynched him. He was only lucky to be alive. According to a source that pleaded anonymity, Osaro Bright has on February 14th deflowered the teenage boy in one of the hotels in Benin .

The said Osaro Bright is rumoured to be recuperating in an undisclosed hospital where he was taken to by a Good Samaritan, it is, however being whispered about that the family of the teenage boy are furious that Osaro Bright is still alive and has vowed to “finish him off” according to our source.

As at press time, the whereabouts of the said Osaro Bright has not been ascertained as he is believed to have gone into hiding for fear of his life.