A Benin City-based man simply identified as Akhimien Joseph, on Wednesday, January 4, 2024, escaped death by the whiskers after stepping in to halt a violent assault on a defenseless teenager.
The event took place at Ugbiyoko, Ekenhuan Road, Benin City, at about 2. 45pm.
Narrating the incident to our correspondent in Benin City, an eyewitness said the teenager, who was allegedly involved in homosexual activity was almost lynched by the mob when Joseph swiftly intervened, enabling the frightened teenager to break free and escape to safety.
According to the eyewitness who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the intervention prompted the mob to redirect their aggression on the Good Samaritan in his late 20s, accusing him of being homosexual as well.
The eyewitness said the mob had several objects including a penknife, razor blades and daggers ad heavy wood, and were threatening to hack him to death and subsequently burn his body for his involvement in gay activity.
He said, “It was a terrifying scene. A mob numbering over 15 persons was beating and battering this teenager for his alleged involvement in homosexual activity, which of course is a crime in Nigeria with about 14 years jail term as punishment. The teen was crying and gasping for breath when this Good Samaritan, who was later identified as Akhimien Joseph, rushed in and pushed himself between the mob and the teenager.
“Joseph’s intervention momentarily stunned the mob. The teenager took advantage of the confusion and managed to break free. I saw him running as fast as he could to escape the danger, in a desperate dash to save his life. But in a swift turn of events, the mob redirected their rage and attack to Joseph, labeling him an accomplice and gay.”
“Eventually, Joseph managed to break free from the mob, enduring hits and kicks to escape when the mob threatened to hand him over to the police as someone involved in homosexual activity, while others were threatening to hack him to death and subsequently burn his body. It was a miracle he managed to escape, but the mob made the commitment to ensure he is caught and made to face the consequences of his action.”
