Tragedy struck the Yovoyan community in Badagry, Lagos, on Tuesday morning when an ex-police officer allegedly shot and killed two family members and another person in an attack linked to a long-standing land dispute.
According to a report from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Richard Atideka and Mrs. Latevi Atideka, both from Yovoyan, as well as Mr. Muji Onilude from the neighboring Gberefu community, were the victims of the shooting, allegedly carried out by the ex-police officer and an accomplice.
Survivor Mr. David Atideka recounted the horrific events that transpired between 2:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. at the Atideka compound. “I was inside my room discussing with my wife when I stepped out to urinate. As I did, I saw two armed men entering the compound. I quickly hid nearby,” David explained.
“They entered my room, asked for me, and immediately shot my wife in the head. Out of fear, I ran to inform my elder brother, but when I arrived, I found his lifeless body—he had been shot too,” he added.
David further claimed that he recognized the suspect: “The person I saw was my brother, the police officer. I recognised him clearly,” he said, alleging that the ex-police officer, along with another armed individual, was seen leaving the compound after the killings.
It was reported that the suspect had been in a protracted dispute with his brothers over land ownership, which had recently been brought before the court. The suspect had been arrested and detained earlier but was later released on bail. A final court ruling was scheduled for Thursday regarding the matter. A reliable source shared, “They had taken the matter to court, where the suspect was arrested and detained but later released on bail. They were due for a final court judgment this Thursday.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Yusuf Onilude, the son of one of the victims, Muji Onilude, shared his own account of the incident. He said, “My father came to my room at about 2:10 a.m. We spoke for a few minutes before he left. Less than five minutes later, I heard gunshots outside. I rushed out and saw a man running away. I chased him, but he fired shots in the air and escaped. When I returned, I found my father in a pool of blood. He had been shot dead.”
Community representative Mr. James Yovoyan condemned the crime, urging the police to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. He said, “We appeal to the police to take swift action in apprehending the perpetrators of this heinous act.”
Chief Lorence Atideka, head of the Atideka family, expressed his sorrow and demanded that the authorities act quickly to arrest and prosecute all involved. “This is a sad and tragic day for the family, and we call on the government to act swiftly,” he lamented.
However, Henry Atideka, the son of the alleged murderer, denied the accusations, claiming that unknown gunmen were responsible for the attack.
“My father was not around when the incident happened, and he has been invited by the police.
“Although the family had some disagreements, it was not about land but a conspiracy, which we planned to resolve this Thursday,” he said.
Henry expressed optimism that the police would uncover the truth and punish the culprits.
However, a senior police officer who wished to remain anonymous confirmed that the police had taken the corpses to the General Hospital in Badagry and had launched an investigation into the killings.
