Tragedy In Badagry As Ex-Police Officer Allegedly Kills Two Family Members Over Land Dispute.
The Yovoyan community in Badagry, Lagos, was plunged into mourning on Tuesday morning following a violent attack allegedly carried out by a former police officer. The suspect reportedly shot and killed two of his family members, as well as another individual, over a land dispute.
According to reports, the victims—Mr Richard Atideka and Mrs Latevi Atideka from Yovoyan community, along with Mr Muji Onilude from the neighbouring Gberefu community—were killed by the ex-police officer and an unidentified accomplice.
A survivor of the attack, Mr David Atideka, recounted the harrowing experience, revealing that the incident occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. in 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 narrated.
“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.”
David alleged that he recognised one of the attackers as his elder brother, the ex-police officer, who was seen leaving the compound with another armed individual.
It was learnt that the suspect had been embroiled in a long-standing dispute with his brothers over land ownership. A reliable source disclosed that the matter had been taken to court, and the suspect had previously been arrested and detained but was later released on bail. A final court judgment on the case was scheduled for Thursday.
In another tragic account, Mr Yusuf Onilude, the son of the slain Muji Onilude, recounted how his father was killed moments after leaving his room.
“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,” he said.
Reacting to the incident, community representative Mr James Yovoyan called on the police to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice. Similarly, Chief Lorence Atideka, the head of the Atideka family, urged the government to take immediate action in arresting and prosecuting those responsible.
However, the son of the alleged killer, Henry Atideka, denied the accusations, insisting that unknown gunmen were behind the attack.
“My father was not around when the incident happened, and he has been invited by the police,” he stated.
He also dismissed claims that the dispute was over land, describing it as a conspiracy that was meant to be resolved on Thursday.
Henry expressed hope that the police investigation would reveal the truth and ensure justice was served.
Credit: The Guardian
