By Yemi Monday
Seventy-six youths, comprising males and females, suspected to be involved in same-sex relationships have been arrested by the Gombe State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The suspects were arrested by the NSCDC at the point of an alleged same-sex marriage ceremony somewhere in Gombe metropolis following a tip-off on the planned same-sex birthday party after which the marriage would have been consummated.
Gombe State NSCDC Commandant, Muhammad Bello Mu’azu, told journalists at its headquarters on Sunday that operatives of the Command successfully prevented the wedding from taking place as the para-military group has zero tolerance for such social vices.
Mohammed Mu’azu who was represented by State Command Spokesperson, SC Buhari Sa’ad, disclosed that following investigations, it was discovered that out of the 76 suspects, 59 are males with 21 of them confessing to being homosexuals.
He also noted that the 17 females believe to be involved in same sex relationships were also arrested at the scene.
According to Muhammad Muazu: “They were arrested at Duwa Plaza along Bauchi-Gombe expressway, holding homosexual birthday party and had plans to hold same-sex wedding before our men raided the scene.
“Fifty-nine males were arrested. Twenty-one willfully confessed to being homosexuals and 17 females, being present at the scene we also picked up amongst them.”
The Commandant while lamenting the degeneration of morality among the Youths, said that he “will send the culprits to school where they will not have adequate time for frivolities.”
He noted that they would be charged to court upon completion of investigations to answer for their crimes which is on social vice, a crime in Gombe State.
Recently, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, ordered the demolition of structures popularly known as Gidan Gala identified as hideouts where social vices including immoralities such as gay relationship and lesbianism were taking place.