A young queer man identified as Hilary has died following a brutal homophobic assault in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. According to accounts shared online by LGBTQ+ advocate Jide Macaulay, Hilary was deceived into attending a meeting under false pretence before being attacked by a group of assailants. He was reportedly beaten and thrown from a two-storey building during the incident.
Despite fighting for his life after sustaining severe spinal injuries, Hilary later succumbed to his wounds. The tragic event has sparked outrage and renewed calls for justice and protection for Nigeria’s queer community.
In a statement expressing grief, Macaulay wrote that Hilary’s death marks the second reported “kito-related” fatality within two weeks in Nigeria, referring to cases where individuals are deceived or entrapped because of their sexual orientation and then subjected to violence. “Two beautiful souls gone because of hate, fear, and the failure of our society to protect its own,” the statement read.
He added that Hilary’s light would not be forgotten, urging the community to continue advocating for justice, unity, and safety. “To Hilary, and to every queer person who has suffered in silence, we see you, we mourn you, and we stand with you,” Macaulay stated.
The post called for collective resolve to confront hate and discrimination while pushing for a society where every life is valued and no one lives in fear due to their identity. It concluded with a message of remembrance and peace: “May his memory strengthen our resolve for justice and peace. May love guide us through this darkness.”
Hilary’s death has reignited conversations about the dangers faced by LGBTQ+ Nigerians and the urgent need for stronger protections against homophobic violence.
