The family of Miss Chioma Obanaka, who has been on the run since September 2023 over allegation of lesbianism, has pleaded for leniency and the safe return of their daughter.
The unfolding saga has sparked a heated debate, underscoring the clash between tradition and modernity in Nigerian society.
In an emotional appeal, Chioma’s father, Mr Peter Obanaka, expressed his concern over the treatment meted out to his daughter by their community leaders. He recounted the events that led to Chioma’s disappearance, describing her decision to be on the run as a desperate bid for survival in the face of intimidation and persecution.
According to Obanaka, Chioma’s ordeal began during a visit to their village in Nimo, Anambra State. According to him, Chioma’s private moment of intimacy with her partner was interrupted when they were discovered by a family member, leading to a violent confrontation and accusations of committing an “abominable offence” in the community.
Afraid of possible traditional repercussion and public humiliation, Chioma and her partner fled under the cover of darkness. But, angered by their escape, community members and vigilante groups relentlessly went in search of them the next day.
Obanaka said he pleaded for patience with community leaders, emphasising that while he did not condone Chioma’s sexual practice, he longed for her to return home for the necessary rites. He lamented the drastic measures taken by the community leaders, which have only served to exacerbate the family’s harrowing experience.
“My daughter’s ordeal began at my house in Nimo, Anambra State, where her private moment of intimacy turned into a public spectacle as she was discovered in a compromising position by a family member.
“What ensued was a violent outburst, with the two subjected to physical assault and verbal abuse, and branded as perpetrators of an abominable offence before the gods of the land.
“Faced with the threat of ritual punishment and public humiliation, my daughter and her partner made a daring escape at night,” she explained.
Continuing, he said: “The situation reached a tipping point when the police became involved, intensifying my daughter’s sense of fear and vulnerability and she was forced to flee to seek refuge elsewhere.
“Right now, I don’t know where my daughter is and my family members are worried. She can’t even contact us because of fear of what they would do to her and even us. The police have also been informed and the vigilante group conscripted by the community to arrest her on sight and bring her for cleansing. I’m not saying I’m in support of what my daughter did, but I just want them to show mercy and let her come home. I miss my little girl and want her back,” the father added.
Echoing Obanaka’s sentiments, a family member, Emeka, urged the community to drop the threats of violence and cleansing to allow Chioma to return home. He emphasised Chioma’s kindness and pleaded for forgiveness, questioning the severity of the punishment imposed on her.
“It is unfortunate that my sister is in the middle of this situation where we don’t even know where she is. Every time they keep asking us to produce her because what she did is an abomination to the community.
“They don’t know Chioma because she’s the kindest person I know and will never hurt a fly. What she did that they’re calling for her to be killed is just too much and it makes us sad. When did someone’s sexuality become a death sentence?
“I just want them to forgive her and let her come home. I know they have the backing of the law in Nigeria but they cannot be the judge, jury and executioner at the same time,” Emeka said.
However, a community leader, Mazi Uchendu Okonkwo, defended the traditional response to Chioma’s alleged transgression, citing the sanctity of cultural norms and the need to uphold religious principles. He emphasised the seriousness of the situation, warning of dire consequences if Chioma did not submit herself to the cleansing rituals.
According to him, a similar ritual had been done in the past and their custom is clear on such “abominations”. He also added that Chioma’s family will also face the consequences as her father will be stripped of all his traditional titles and other family members barred from traditional functions in the community.
“As a leader of the community, I’m privy to everything that has happened. It’s a shame that children of nowadays think they can just change God’s ordinances in the name of modernity.
“Although I’m not in support of throwing the baby away with the bath water, what she did is very sacrilegious and one way or another, we will get her. If she doesn’t give herself up, we’ll be forced to unleash our wrath on her family members. Her father will be stripped of his traditional title and we’ll also bar her family members from partaking in our public functions.
“All I’m saying is that to avoid all these, Chioma should bring herself for cleansing. She’s not the first who will do this because we have had a similar issue involving two men. I assure her that no harm will come to her if she allows us to peacefully carry out the cleansing rites, but if she allows us to catch her first, there will be no protection. She’ll also be excommunicated from the community. It is as serious as that,” he threatened.
A vigilante member of the community, Mr Onyeka Nwaobasi, insisted that there was no hiding place for Chioma as they must get her and carry out the traditional cleansing to appease the gods of the land.
He said further that they will extend their search to the cities and even Port Harcourt in Rivers State where she lives and they will contact Nimo community members in each city to make sure she doesn’t escape.
“If you’re asking about that girl that has brought us shame and ridicule, I don’t want to talk much, but I can assure you that we will get her. We have connections everywhere, even outside our community. If she likes, let her run anywhere, we must get her. She must be cleansed of that evil spirit that is upon her,” he added.
The incident has reignited the debate about the treatment of individuals with different sexual orientations in Nigerian society, with critics condemning the trauma and ridicule Chioma is subjected to, including death threat.
