By: DAVID OSAS, BENIN CITY.

Tension reportedly escalated in Ivbiotor Community, off Sapele Road Benin City, Edo State, after the Enogie, elders, and angry youths allegedly staged a protest that led to threats, attacks, and the destruction of another building, where Mr. Ben Obinyan was taken shelter for the alleged sacrilege committed by his nephew and his step son for the alleged same-sex related activities.

It’s gathered that Mr Ben obinyan house was first destroyed in 2021 where the alleged act offence was reportedly took place, source said the angry protesters re-group on 9th June 2024 and stage a protests over the refusal of the two suspects to submit themselves to constituted authorities for prosecution.

Witnesses claimed that the mob first vandalised the property where Mr. Ben Obinyan had taken shelter before eventually setting the structure ablaze, leading to the destruction of other nearby buildings.

Sources within the community said the attack created panic among residents, forcing many people in the neighbourhood to flee from the community for fear of further violence.

It would be recalled that two men identified as Courage Esosa Obinyan and one Osas Mr Ben obinyan step son were earlier alleged to have been involved in same-sex activities but fled the community after they were reportedly discovered by a neighbour, who alerted Osas’ mother.

The suspects reportedly escaped through a rear exit before they could be apprehended by residents who had gathered at the scene prior to the arrival of security operatives, who were later deployed to restore calm and prevent further violence for spreading to other houses and properties.

Meanwhile, the protesters led by the enogie of the community reportedly took their protests to the State Police Command Edo State, addressing the protesters, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP.Chidi Nwanbuzor reiterated the command’s commitment to apprehend the two suspects in connection with the ongoing investigation.

In a press release made available to journalists in Benin City, the command stated that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects for prosecution and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands or engaging in acts of violence and destruction of property.

The police further urged members of the public to provide useful information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects to the nearest security agency, assuring that such information would be treated confidentially and attract reward.

The PPRO also appealed to community leaders and residents to remain calm, stressing the need to allow security agencies and the judicial process to handle the matter in accordance with the law, including the provisions of the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014, which prescribes penalties for 14 years jailed terms and related offences.