Tragedy struck the Yovoyan community in Badagry, Lagos, on Tuesday morning when an ex-police officer allegedly shot and killed two of his family members and a neighbor over a land dispute.
The victims—Mr. Richard Atideka and Mrs. Latevi Atideka, both from the Yovoyan community, and Mr. Muji Onilude from the neighboring Gberefu community—were reportedly murdered by the ex-police officer and an accomplice.
A survivor, Mr. David Atideka, recounted the chilling attack, stating that it occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. at the Atideka family compound.
“I was inside my room talking with my wife when I stepped out to urinate. That was when I saw two armed men entering the compound, so I quickly hid.
“They entered my room, asked for me, and then shot my wife in the head. Terrified, I ran to inform my elder brother, but when I arrived, I found him lying lifeless—he had been shot as well,” he narrated.
David alleged that one of the attackers was his elder brother, the ex-police officer, whom he saw leaving the compound with another armed individual.
“The person I saw was my brother, the police officer. I recognized him clearly,” he claimed.
Reports indicate that the suspect had been embroiled in a longstanding dispute with his family over land ownership.
A reliable source disclosed that the suspect had attempted to seize land from David and Richard Atideka.
“They had taken the matter to court, and the suspect was previously arrested and detained but later released on bail. A final court judgment was scheduled for this Thursday,” the source revealed.
Meanwhile, Mr. Yusuf Onilude, the son of the slain Muji Onilude, said his father had just left his room moments before he was murdered.
“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 urged the police to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Chief Lorence Atideka, the family head, described the attack as a tragic loss and called on the government to arrest and prosecute everyone involved.
However, Henry Atideka, the son of the alleged killer, denied the accusations, insisting that unknown gunmen were responsible.
“My father was not around when the incident happened, and he has already been invited by the police.
“Although the family had some disagreements, it was not about land but a conspiracy, which we had planned to resolve this Thursday,” he claimed.
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