The Kebbi State Government has strongly condemned recent statistics on homosexuality in the state, which were reportedly released by a federal permanent secretary. The state government described the figures as misleading, inaccurate, and an attempt to misrepresent the values of the people of Kebbi.
In a statement issued by the Kebbi State Commissioner for Information, Yakub Ahmed, the government expressed shock at the data, which allegedly suggested a high prevalence of homosexuality within the state. Officials insisted that the statistics did not reflect the reality of Kebbi’s cultural and religious landscape, adding that such claims could damage the state's reputation.
The controversy stems from a recent report presented by a senior official in the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, which allegedly included findings on LGBTQ+ activities in various states across Nigeria. The Kebbi government has now called on the federal government to clarify the source of the data and ensure that future reports are based on verifiable research.
Governor Nasir Idris reaffirmed the state's commitment to upholding moral and cultural values, stating that Kebbi remains deeply rooted in its traditional and religious beliefs. He also warned against any attempts to spread misinformation that could misrepresent the people of the state.
The issue has sparked debates among Nigerians, with some questioning the basis of the statistics and others calling for an open discussion on human rights and inclusivity in the country.