The Nigerian police are currently investigating the tragic death of a popular transgender TikToker known as “Abuja Area Mama”. The 33-year-old transgender woman’s beaten and bruised body was discovered along a highway in the capital city of Abuja, sparking shock and outrage among her loyal fan base on social media.
Abuja Area Mama, who never revealed her full name and sometimes referred to herself as Ifeanyi, used her platform to share her experiences as a transgender woman and a sex worker. However, living in a deeply conservative society like Nigeria, she often faced discrimination and violence for being true to herself.
Last year, the TikToker had spoken out about being attacked and fearing for her life, highlighting the dangers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the country where same-sex relationships are criminalized. Nigerian TikTokers who are perceived to be gay also face online homophobic abuse, adding to the challenges they already endure.
In her final Instagram post, Abuja Area Mama mentioned she was going to see her boyfriend before her body was tragically discovered along a highway. The police have launched a thorough investigation into her death, with the Abuja police chief ordering a discreet inquiry into the incident.
The news of Abuja Area Mama’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, with many condemning the violence and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria. Despite laws guaranteeing freedom from discrimination, mass arrests and detention of LGBTQ+ individuals are common in the country, especially in northern states.
Local journalist Martins Ifijeh expressed his outrage, stating, “Taking laws into your hand because you don’t like another person’s sexual orientation is the worst form of inhumanity.” The tragic death of Abuja Area Mama serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria and the urgent need for acceptance and equality.
