Popular trans TikToker killed in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the beaten and bruised body of a popular trans TikTok influencer was found on Thursday by the side of an expressway in the capital, Abuja.

The 33-year-old TikToker Abuja Area Mama counted a loyal fan base on the platform where she shared stories of her life as a transgender woman and sex worker, according to reporting by the BBC.

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In her last Instagram post on Wednesday night, Area Mama primped and posed through a full-length mirror wearing a form-fitting purple silk dress, matching makeup, and chunky jewelry. She said she was “getting ready to go and see my boyfriend last.”

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Why she added the word “last” to her caption was unclear, but prophetic.

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A post shared by Abujaareamama (@area_mama_of_abuja)

Last year, Abuja Area Mama, who sometimes referred to herself as “Ifeanyi,” shared how she had been attacked and feared for her life. She had been stabbed by an unidentified individual in September, she said but didn’t explain the circumstances.   

In deeply conservative Nigeria, same-sex relationships are criminalized and LGBTQ+ people are often shunned and endure discrimination and abuse. Mass arrests and detention of LGBTQ+ community members are common, especially in Nigeria’s northern states.

The internet in Africa’s most populous country is rife with homophobia, as well. Users who are perceived as gay are common targets of harassment. Transgender people, in particular, are singled out for online attacks.

Ifeanyi’s body was found along the Katampe-Mabushi expressway in Abuja early Thursday morning, just hours after her last post.

According to local police, a team of detectives visited the scene and “preliminary investigations revealed that the individual was a man fully dressed in female clothing with no means of identification on him.” A statement indicated the Abuja police chief has since ordered a “thorough and discreet” investigation into the death.

On her TikTok profile, Ifeanyi described herself as “the number one Abuja cross-dresser and queen of the street.” She said her posts were a reflection of her life made to educate her followers.

Ifeanyi’s followers were disconsolate with the news of her death.

“Rest in peace, Area Mama,” one posted. “In another life, you would be surrounded by love and joy, free from the suffering you endured here. 😭💔”

“All you did was live a life given to you by God himself. But was snatched by man! 😭😭💔 May God grant your soul eternal rest!🕊️🕊️💔”

“Who gave you the rights to take someone else’s life!” one follower railed at her killers. “Omo I am angry and sad, what did this guy ever do😖 if it is too hard to accept his type of person why not let him be! Who are you to think that you are better than him! Omo 💔”

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