The serene community of Esan North, Edo State, Nigeria has recently been gripped by rising insecurity and social unrest, a situation which community leaders have controversially linked to the alleged homosexual practices.
The accused, one of its members, Henry Elinmian, reportedly out of the country, has been declared “at large” by local authorities and elders who are demanding his return to undergo traditional cleansing rituals.
According to sources within the community, a series of irregularities, including theft, unexplained disputes, and alleged spiritual disturbances, have plagued Esan North in recent months.
The community leadership, comprising traditional chiefs and religious leaders, has ascribed these misfortunes to what they term as a “spiritual imbalance” caused by Elinmian’s alleged lifestyle.
“This is not who we are as a community,” said Chief Alamu Ayinde, a prominent elder.
“We hold firmly to our cultural values, and when someone violates them, especially in a way that invites divine wrath, it affects everyone. The only way forward is cleansing.”
Community sources indicate that the cleansing ritual involves traditional rites designed to “purify” the land and restore harmony.
These rituals, however, cannot proceed unless Elinmian personally participates. Until then, many residents believe the problems will persist.
Attempts to reach Elinmian for comment have been unsuccessful, and his current whereabouts remain unknown.
Some human rights activists have condemned the community’s stance, describing it as discriminatory and a violation of individual freedoms while many stakeholders support the stance.
“This is a deeply concerning situation,” said Ifeoma Ojukwu, a human rights advocate based in Lagos. “No one should be scapegoated for societal challenges based on their perceived sexual orientation. Instead of finding a convenient target, the community should focus on addressing the root causes of their challenges.”
Despite such external criticism, Esan North’s leaders remain steadfast in their position, with plans underway to intensify efforts to locate Elinmian.
Meanwhile, the community is divided, with some younger residents calling for modernisation and tolerance, while older generations insist on adherence to traditional norms.
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