The police in Ebonyi State have reacted to reports of the public parade of a young woman in Afikpo Local Government Area, over allegations of engaging in a same-sex relationship.
The incident, which has sparked widespread reactions across social and traditional media, involved a lady identified simply as Ugomma, who was allegedly accused by members of her community of having a sexual relationship with another woman.
She was reportedly paraded around Eke-Ukwu market, the largest market in Afikpo, in what community leaders described as a cultural sanction.
During the parade, the woman was said to have been compelled to ring a bell and publicly denounce the alleged act.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the exercise was carried out under the supervision of a community spokesperson, Chief Morris Isu, popularly known as Okabue, who was said to have led the procession in line with what locals described as traditional practices.
Reacting to the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Superintendent of Police Joshua Ukandu, stated that the command had not yet received any official report concerning the incident.
He, however, assured that the matter would be looked into, adding that he would reach out to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Afikpo for further details.
“I have not received any report on the incident, but I will contact the DPO in Afikpo to verify and get back on the matter,” Ukandu said.
Meanwhile, the incident has generated mixed reactions among residents and the wider public.
While some members of the community defended the action, citing cultural norms and values, others have condemned the public parade, describing it as a violation of the woman’s fundamental human rights and dignity.
Human rights observers argued that regardless of the allegations, subjecting individuals to public humiliation is unacceptable and may contravene existing laws.
As discussions continue, many are calling on relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law.
