In a heart-wrenching interview, a US based-Nigerian returnee who goes by the name Samsondeen Goloba shared his story of persecution, discrimination, and violence due to his sexual orientation. Samsondeen's life has been marked by a series of traumatic events that have left him fearing for his safety and the safety of his loved ones.
The ordeal began in 2003 when Samsondeen's father passed away, leading to escalating tensions within the family. Samsondeen's mother, a Christian, and her children found themselves at odds with other family members who attempted to force the Muslim religion upon her. These disputes created animosity within the family, particularly directed at Samsondeen's mother.
Samsondeen's life took a fateful turn when he encountered pastor Tony Ikechukwu, the lead pastor at the apostolic church of God in Ilasa Lagos, who initially seemed supportive but soon began exploiting him. The pastor preyed on his vulnerability, using religious authority to manipulate and sexually abuse him. This betrayal led Samsondeen to confide in his mother, which eventually prompted her to involve samaondeen's uncle by the name Afeez, who reported to the authorities.
The fallout from this revelation brought immense shame and discrimination upon Samsondeen. His own family and community ostracized him, subjecting him to violence, abuse, and rejection. Samsondeen endured brutal beatings from family members, strangers, and even his own half-brothers. In a society where tradition and religion held immense sway, homosexuality was considered a grave sin, and the consequences were severe.
His journey took another tragic turn when he returned to Nigeria in 2017 and faced brutal attacks by the Odua People's Congress (OPC) during what should have been a birthday celebration for his friend, Kola Adeyemi Buta. The OPC claimed they had received information about a "gay party" and attacked with deadly force. The violence resulted in the loss of lives and severe injuries. Kola Adeyemi Buta, a very close friend of Samsondeen, was one of the casualties, leaving Samsondeen in shock and disbelief. The others who lost their life to the tragic event are Akeem Ajayi and David Akinola.
Following Kola's death, Samsondeen found himself at the center of more violence when he was falsely accused of orchestrating an attack on the OPC by hiring local gang members known as "area boys." His picture was circulated, and he became a target for persecution. Fearing for his life, Samsondeen decided to share his story, hoping it would reach a wider audience and serve as a testament to the violence and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria.
Samsondeen story is a stark reminder of the struggles and dangers faced by those who identify as LGBTQ+ in societies where discrimination and violence are rampant. Samsondeen is reaching out to the Nigerian government and the Nigeria Police Force to seek justice for the victims of the violence, especially for his friend Kola Adeyemi Buta, whose death he views as an act of pure murder.
Samsondeen's harrowing account underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and support for LGBTQ+ individuals facing persecution and discrimination in Nigeria and other parts of the world. His bravery in sharing his story serves as a plea for justice and a call for change in societies that continue to marginalize and endanger the lives of those who are simply seeking to live authentically.
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