Reports are emerging of a late-night police operation in Delta State that has allegedly left two people dead and several others injured.
The raid targeted a private residence in the Ogunu area of Warri, where a gathering of individuals suspected of being part of the LGBTQ+ community was taking place.
The incident, which reportedly occurred around midnight, has sparked a wave of concern across social media. Witnesses describe a scene of “total chaos” as armed officers stormed the apartment.
According to accounts circulating on social media, the incident occurred in May 2022 at about midnight while a party was ongoing. Eyewitness claims allege that armed officers stormed the apartment, leading to chaos during which two attendees were reportedly shot dead, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Unconfirmed reports further claimed that a number of persons were arrested during the operation. The police were also said to have declared three individuals—identified as Ochuko Afred, Dominic Umukoro, and Lawrence Ade—wanted in connection with the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Delta State Police Command confirming the casualties or the identities of those declared wanted.
Same-sex relationship in Nigeria
Same-sex relationships remain criminalised in Nigeria under the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014, which prescribes penalties for same-sex unions and public displays of same-sex relationships. The law also outlaws the registration and operation of gay clubs, societies, and organisations.
Human rights organisations have, over the years, raised concerns about alleged harassment, arbitrary arrests, and abuse of individuals suspected of engaging in same-sex relationships. However, there is no official government policy endorsing extrajudicial killings, and authorities have consistently maintained that law enforcement operations are conducted within the bounds of the law.
Efforts to obtain confirmation from security agencies regarding the reported raid and alleged fatalities were unsuccessful.
The development has reignited conversations around enforcement of laws relating to same-sex relationships, human rights protections, and the conduct of security agencies during operations.
Further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
