IBADAN, OYO STATE — Tension gripped residents of First Gate, Owode Estate in the Apata area of Ibadan, Oyo State, on April 21, 2022, when an angry mob reportedly attacked and vandalised the shop of a local trader, Mrs Adeleke following allegations that her son and another man were caught engaging in a same-sex act.
An eyewitness told our correspondent that trouble started when news spread that Kehinde and another man were allegedly found in a compromising situation at Amuludun Hotels & Bar, located in Apata, Owode, Ibadan.
The incident, according to the eyewitness, made some youths angry, and they demanded that both men be handed over to them so they could confront them, a demand that came with clear threats of violence she said.
According to sources, both alleged individuals managed to flee the area before the mob could apprehend them. Their escape reportedly fuelled further anger, prompting a group of youths to storm Mrs Adeleke shop, hurling stones, breaking windows, and damaging goods.
“They said the incident had brought shame to the community. Before we knew it, they had broken into her shop and destroyed many things,” said a neighbour who pleaded anonymity.
Mrs Adeleke speaking in tears, condemned the attack and denied that her son had committed any crime. “I am in shock. They destroyed my source of livelihood. My son is innocent. Even if he was guilty, they had no right to destroy my shop,” she told reporters adding that some of the youths threatened to return until she revealed the whereabouts of her son.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Apata confirmed that the incident had been reported earlier by the hotel management who informed the police about an assault involving two young men on their premises. “We are investigating both the allegation against the two young men and the malicious damage to the shop. No one has the right to take the law into their hands,” the DPO said.
