8 Confirmed Dead, 26 Rescued As Three Storey Building Collapses In Satellite Town

Scene of the incident

 

Eight persons have been confirmed dead while 26 others were rescued alive yesterday after a three-storey building collapsed at Alakija, Old Ojo Road, near Alakija Bus Stop, off the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Satellite Town, in Ori-Ade Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos.

Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), were deployed to the scene after the building collapsed at about 11:00 a.m.

Personnel from the Ijegun-Egba Fire Station were immediately mobilised and arrived at the scene at 11:49 a.m.

The collapsed structure was a three-storey residential building occupied by several tenants at the time of the incident.

It also housed a number of businesses, including cyber cafés, a photo studio, phone repair shops, mobile network outlets, a bookshop and office spaces. Residents described it as one of the oldest buildings in the area, having stood for more than 30 years.

One eyewitness recounted how she narrowly escaped the disaster after attending a meeting elsewhere. She said she had planned to visit a phone shop in the building to exchange mobile phones but decided to attend the meeting instead.

According to her, she had considered leaving the meeting if it did not begin on time, unaware that the decision would save her life. She added that she had called another person who was inside the building to join the meeting, a move she believes also saved that individual, as the building collapsed less than 15 minutes after they left.

Witnesses said the phone shop was usually crowded with customers, raising fears that the number of casualties and trapped victims could be higher than initially reported.

It was learnt that a friend of one of the occupants had advised him to leave the building on Wednesday afternoon during a visit, but the occupant chose to remain.

A woman who lost her child in the incident was seen crying and blaming herself for waking the child to accompany her to the shop.

While relatives of the deceased wailed, other occupants were seen trying to salvage their belongings from the scene amid the chaos.

Speaking with The media, the Head of Operations, NEMA Lagos Territorial Office, Mohammed Olatunde, said: “The three-storey building came down after 11:00 a.m. The rain is making the rescue operation difficult.”

He added that 26 persons had been rescued, while eight bodies were recovered from the rubble.

Commenting on the likely cause of the collapse, he said: “The structural integrity of the building had been compromised. We learnt that the building had shown signs of imminent collapse for days, but the occupants remained inside. The collapse was bound to happen.”

The Director of Operations, LASEMA, Olatunde Akinsanya, said the agency activated the state’s emergency response plan immediately after receiving distress calls.

He added: “There was a structural defect in the building. We learnt that even the staircases were shaking, but people remained in the building.”

A resident, who identified himself simply as Stanley, said: “The number of casualties would have been higher but for the weekly Thursday market environmental sanitation exercise. A father and his son were rescued, but the father was unconscious. A woman lost her 18-year-old child in the building.”

A shop owner, Chidinma Asogwa, said: “The incident happened as some shop owners returned to the market before the weekly environmental sanitation exercise ended. I had a sister there, but she was rescued along with her son.

“The occupants were told to vacate the building on Monday, but it collapsed today.”

  

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Female Producers Also Demand Sex From Men Before Giving Them Roles In Nollywood Movies - Actress Abidemi Adisa

Abidemi Adisa

 

Fast-rising Nollywood actress and filmmaker Abidemi Adisa has acknowledged the existence of the controversial sex-for-role practice in the Nigerian movie industry, saying it remains one of the factors discouraging talented individuals from pursuing careers in entertainment.

The actress, however, disclosed that she has never been pressured to exchange sexual favors for movie roles since joining the industry.

Speaking in an interview with Potpourri, Adisa said the problem extends beyond women, thereby indicating that female producers also demand sex from male actors before casting them for their movies. The actress also said the problem is not peculiar to Nollywood.

“Sex-for-role exists and it is one of the things driving many talented people away from the Nigerian movie industry. It is not even limited to actresses; men can also be victims. But we cannot stereotype Nollywood because the problem exists in other industries as well,” she said.

There have been documented accounts and industry insider testimonies indicating that some female producers and directors in Nollywood demand sexual favors from male actors in exchange for movie roles. While the long-standing "sex-for-roles" narrative typically centers on female actors, instances of male exploitation do occur, though they are often kept hidden.

Male actors frequently keep these experiences private due to societal stigma, the fear of not being believed, and the risk of being blacklisted in the industry.

Abidemi is not the only one in Nollywood to point accusing fingers at female producers in the infamous act of exchanging sex for roles in movies. Actor and filmmaker, Olusola Michael, in an interview  explicitly confirmed the existence of abuse against men. He stated that most male actors hide the fact that female producers and filmmakers routinely insist on having sexual intercourse with them before offering them movie roles.

“Most people hardly believe that male actors also face sexual harassment from female actors and female producers. That’s the reality most male actors have been hiding. There are cases of female producers insisting to go down with a male actor before involving such actor in their projects.

Chukwudi Orajekwe (Chukky), another Nollywood actor, producer, and model also publicly stated that, while harassment by male directors toward female actors is more widely discussed, male actors routinely grapple with sexual harassment from female directors, producers, and colleagues. 

Abidemi Adisa, who is a graduate of International Relations from Hudegbe North American University, Benin Republic, attributed her experience to her refusal to become desperate for fame.

“Luckily for me, no one has ever asked me for sex in exchange for a role because I am not desperate for stardom,” she added.

Adisa also spoke about the motivation behind her acting career, describing her passion for storytelling and admiration for accomplished performers as the driving force behind her decision to enter the movie industry.

According to her, watching talented actors bring fictional stories to life inspired her to pursue acting professionally.

The actress, who trained under veteran Nollywood actor , has featured in several productions, including Violence, Bisola Peperenpe, Tani, Drotimi, Ire, Asiri Pepe and Akete.

Beyond acting, Adisa has also made her mark as a producer, with films such as Ota, Ojiji Ife and Bidemi Jagba 1 & 2 to her credit.

She revealed that she is currently working on a new movie project titled Iku Ore, which is scheduled to be filmed in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The movie tells the story of a woman who goes to great lengths to please a friend while neglecting her own wellbeing.

In addition to her career in film, Adisa runs a fashion business, combining entrepreneurship with her growing profile in Nollywood. She said her goal is to continue producing quality films while working towards becoming one of the industry’s most recognizable faces.

  

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You Have 72 Hours To Vacate The Expressway Or Face The Consequences - Lagos Taskforce Warns Traders At Alaba Rago

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Task Force) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to street traders and illegal occupants operating along the Alaba Rago axis of the Mile 2–Badagry Expressway.

The affected persons have been directed to vacate the area ahead of a planned enforcement exercise.

The Chairman of the Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, announced this in a statement signed by the agency’s spokesperson, Mr Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, on Wednesday in Lagos.

Akerele said the move was part of efforts by the state government to enforce environmental laws and the ban on street trading as stipulated in the state’s Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.

He said the planned operation, which would be carried out in collaboration with other enforcement agencies, was aimed at clearing illegal trading activities on highways, walkways, road medians, and setbacks along the corridor.

“The exercise is aimed at addressing growing concerns over environmental degradation, safety risks, and security challenges associated with the area,” he said.

The chairman urged traders and occupants of the affected locations to voluntarily relocate before the expiration of the notice.

He described the Alaba Rago corridor, situated along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, also known as the ECOWAS Road, as a strategic route that could no longer be allowed to suffer from widespread environmental and physical disorder.

“Lagos State cannot pretend or look the other way over the level of illegal activities and environmental hazards here.

“This situation does not reflect the status of a modern megacity. The time has come to enforce the laws and correct these abnormalities,” he said.

He noted that the enforcement exercise would tackle the proliferation of makeshift shops, illegal structures, mini brothels, used plastic depots, indiscriminate waste disposal, and other environmental infractions affecting the corridor.

The task force chairman said the state government had engaged stakeholders through dialogue and sensitisation before embarking on enforcement, in line with its inclusive governance policy.

“Everyone knows that trading on highways, walkways, and setbacks is illegal. However, because of the Lagos State Government’s people-oriented approach, we have engaged all relevant parties before taking action.

“After this, enforcement will commence against anyone who continues to violate the laws of the state,” he said.

He warned that goods belonging to violators would be confiscated after the expiration of the ultimatum, while offenders would face appropriate legal sanctions.

The chairman reiterated the commitment of the state government to maintaining environmental order, public safety, and security in line with the THEMES+ Agenda of the administration.

According to him, the enforcement exercise is being coordinated by the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources under the leadership of the Commissioner, Mr Tokunbo Wahab. (NAN)

 

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Lagos Jails 14 For Attacking KAI Officials In Oshodi

No fewer than 14 persons arrested for allegedly attacking officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, popularly known as KAI, have been

sentenced to three months’ imprisonment each.

The convicts were sentenced on Wednesday after pleading guilty to assaulting the sanitation officials while they were carrying out lawful duties at the

Oshodi Resettlement Market.

They were arrested following an attack on KAI personnel during an enforcement operation in the market.

According to the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the incident resulted in the assault of KAI officials

and the vandalisation of an operational vehicle by suspected miscreants.

The suspects were reportedly apprehended at the scene and subsequently detained at the agency’s headquarters in Oshodi before being arraigned in court

on Wednesday.

The convicts. Photo: Tokunbo Wahab

 

Providing an update on the case via his X handle on Wednesday, Wahab disclosed that the convicts included Zaradeen Sheu, Abdullahi Bello, Saheed Oladele,

Dan Halima Umar, Nofiu Ibrahim, Abubakar Sari and Alfred Magnus.

Others are Sanni Adamu, Umar Sabi, Dayabu Danmar, Seidu Adam, Isa Muhammed, Yakubu Umar and Abubakar Muktari.

Wahab stated that all the defendants pleaded guilty and were convicted by the court.

“14 individuals were arraigned before the Magistrate Court sitting at Bolade, Oshodi, for assaulting KAI personnel and damaging their vehicle.

“They all pled guilty and were convicted and sentenced to three months in prison,” he wrote.

Recall that in April, a Lagos Magistrate Court also convicted and sentenced three individuals for assaulting KAI officials during a routine enforcement

exercise along Olowu Street in the Ipodo area.

  

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Man Remanded In Kirikiri For Assaulting 18-Year Old Wife In Isheri-Oshun Area Of Lagos

A 32-year-old man, Emeka Joseph, has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos over the alleged assault of his 18-year-old wife, Ezaka Chisom Prisellia, in the Isheri-Oshun area.

It was gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday on Ayomide Street, Isheri-Oshun, where Joseph was alleged to have pushed and assaulted Prisellia during a confrontation.

In a short viral video of the incident’s aftermath seen by our correspondent on Wednesday, the victim was seen on a hospital bed with visible injuries to her face and body.

In the footage, the 18-year-old wife appeared to be in distress and was weeping.

Despite her condition, the teenager was heard in the clip pleading not to have her husband arrested.

The couple. Photo: File

 

Following the uproar generated by the clip, Joseph was reportedly arrested and arraigned before the Ejigbo Magistrate Court in Lagos on a three-count charge of conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, fighting, and unlawful assault, according to a court document.

The charge sheet partly read, “That you, Emeke Joseph ‘m’, on 21/06/2026 at No. 42 Ayomide Street, Isheri Oshun, Lagos, in the Lagos State Magisterial District, did conduct yourself in a way and manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by pushing one Ezaka Chisom Prisella ‘f’ without her consent, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 168(d) Law of Lagos State, Nigeria.

“That you, Emeka Joseph ‘m’, on the same date, place and time at the aforementioned magisterial district, did fight one Ezaka Prisellia ‘f’, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 172 Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2015.

“That you, Emeka Joseph ‘m’, on the same date, place and time at the aforementioned magisterial district did unlawfully assault one Ezaka Prisellia ‘f’ to the extent that she sustained bodily harm, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 173 of the Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2015.”

Meanwhile, a rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, who shared the court document on his Facebook page on Wednesday, disclosed that the suspect had been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending further court proceedings.

“The young man accused of assaulting Chisom in Lagos has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending further court proceedings. The matter has been adjourned to August 3, 2026,” the post read.

  

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Lagos Issues Reminder For Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise

The Lagos State Government has issued a public reminder for the monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

In a statement on Wednesday, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, urged residents to clean their homes, drainages, markets, and public spaces to prevent flooding and health risks.

The attached video on Wahab’s post on X also promotes the exercise with footage of sanitation workers, community groups, and officials cleaning streets and drainages, highlighting government and citizen collaboration under the Ministry of Environment.

“Good people of Lagos State, this is a gentle reminder that the monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise will hold on Saturday, 27th June 2026, across the state,” he said.

“Residents are encouraged to actively participate by cleaning their homes, surroundings, drainage channels, markets, business premises, and public spaces within their communities.”

According to the commissioner, a cleaner and healthier Lagos is a collective responsibility.

Wahab stressed that a proper waste disposal, regular environmental maintenance, and adherence to sanitation guidelines are essential to preventing flooding, reducing environmental hazards, and promoting public health.

“The Lagos State Government urges all residents, community leaders, market associations, and business operators to support the exercise and contribute their quota towards building a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Lagos,” he said.

“Together, let us all keep Lagos clean, healthy, and livable for all.”

Public replies to Wahab’s post, however, expressed frustration over persistent uncollected refuse piles, the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA)’s inadequate evacuation, and doubts that cleaning without reliable waste disposal will yield lasting improvements during the rainy season.

  

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How A Parcel Containing Bullets Was Delivered To FirstBank's MD, Olusegun Alebiosu

The Lagos State Police Command has commenced investigation into a suspicious parcel containing live ammunition delivered to the Managing Director of FirstBank, Oluwasegun Alebiosu.

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, CP Fatai Tijani, who disclosed this during a press briefing today at the Command headquarters, said detectives had commenced investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the delivery.

The incident, according to the police boss, was reported on May 7, 2026, after the FirstBank MD discovered two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition concealed inside a package delivered to him.

CP Tijani said the parcel was initially received by the executive’s security guard before it was handed over to him.

The Command boss said: “The Managing Director reported the matter to the police after discovering two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition in a parcel collected on his behalf.

“The case is still under investigation, and we are treating it with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.

It was gathered that the delivery came shortly after the bank intensified internal reforms aimed at improving efficiency in financial transactions and stepped up efforts to recover outstanding loans from customers who had allegedly defaulted on repayment obligations.

Sources familiar with the incident said the parcel was delivered to Alebiosu’s residence in the Ikoyi area of Lagos through a dispatch rider.

The package was reportedly marked confidential and bore only the recipient’s name and address, with no information identifying the sender.

According to the commissioner, no arrest had been made in connection with the incident, adding that investigators were pursuing several leads.

Tunji added that detectives are also examining information provided by the complainant regarding persons who may have knowledge of or involvement in the matter.

He noted that forensic and intelligence-led investigations were ongoing to establish the source of the parcel and identify anyone connected to the delivery.

The commissioner assured residents that the command would provide updates as the investigation progresses.

The incident comes amid heightened concerns over the security of corporate executives and other high-profile individuals in the country.

  

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Police Shooting Of Truck Driver Over N500 Bribe Along Ikorodu Road: Victim And DPO Render Conflicting Accounts

A commercial truck driver is battling to save his leg after he was shot by a police officer at a checkpoint along the Ketu-Epe-Ikorodu Road in Lagos.

The victim, Peter Francis, was returning home from work on June 12, 2026, when officers attached to the Ketu-Ereyun Divisional Police Station stopped his vehicle.

According to his lawyer, Olatunji Ajayi, Francis complied after officers instructed him to switch on his vehicle’s interior light.

He noted that an officer identified as Ibrahim allegedly demanded a ₦500 bribe, but Francis explained that he had spent his remaining cash on food, which was on the back seat of the Toyota Corolla.

“Without any provocation, a police officer identified as Ibrahim, who was part of the team, opened fire on the vehicle occupied by Mr. Peter Francis and his friend. One of the bullets struck Mr. Peter Francis in the leg, causing severe injuries and leaving him in excruciating pain,” the lawyer said.

He further alleged that the “officers fled the scene immediately after realising Francis had been hit,” leaving the injured driver without assistance.

The gunshot reportedly attracted military personnel attached to the Lagos State Food and Logistics Hub, who “pursued the fleeing officers to their nearby police station, brought them back to the scene and directed them to take the victim to the hospital.”

According to him, Francis was allegedly turned away by two hospitals before he was eventually admitted to the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Yaba, where he underwent emergency surgery.

The Lagos Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO(, Superintendent of Police Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the shooting but stated that the official police narrative differs significantly from the version being presented by the victim and his lawyer.

“The officers involved have been detained for further questioning,” she said.

When asked about a meeting between the victim’s lawyer and Lagos State Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani, as well as a petition filed on the matter, she said, “I cannot confirm that now.”

The Divisional Police Officer of the Ketu-Ereyun Divisional Police Station, CSP Kalu Chijioke, countered the lawyer’s account, claiming instead that the victim is a criminal suspect.

“On June 12 at about 21.10hrs, our officers were on a stop and search duty opened because of a government school close by. We are on the Lagos-Ogun border.

“This driver came in with a Camry (Muscle) with a female passenger in the driver seat. And according to the account of the senior officer who led the team, ASP Oguniyi said the vehicle was stopped and he complied.

“When he was approached, he sped off knocking down Oguniyi, brushing another and was rushing towards Corporal Tijani Ibrahim to ram him down, using the vehicle as a weapon, before the latter shot,” the DPO stated.

According to the DPO, Corporal Ibrahim fired at the speeding car, with the bullet ultimately striking Francis in the lower part of his knee.

“This is a case of attempted murder and assault of a police officer in his line of duty and unlawful possession of substances suspected to be illicit drugs,” the DPO in his account hinted.

Denying claims that his men fled the scene, CSP Kalu maintained that the officers immediately began arranging to transport the wounded driver to the hospital. According to him, a group of the victim’s colleagues (“motor boys”) soon stormed the station threatening to burn it down.

“That was when the soldiers accosted them to ask if our officers needed help—which was politely rejected—noting that the situation was immediately contained and that medical attention was provided to the victim,” Kalu said.

The DPO also confirmed that Francis was subsequently taken to two different hospitals, both of which refused to admit him, before he was finally accepted at the military hospital based on his intervention.

He then detailed the events that followed, lasting until Friday, as police struggled to secure the victim’s official statement and account of the incident.

“The records are there. He was referred from the first hospital to another, which refused to admit him. The victim’s life was the priority, and that was when I contacted the military hospital where he was eventually operated on. In fact, when we were unable to get an ambulance, we used our patrol vehicle.

“It was the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yaba, that admitted him, and he underwent surgery there. After the necessary tests, I donated blood and even made payment so his treatment could continue.

“All efforts to obtain personal statements from the lady and the victim after treatment have been futile as we speak.

“We’ve also spoken to the lawyer who came here and told him to give his client a statement form to fill out now that the incident is still fresh in his memory and he has received medical attention, but he refused.

“Our concern is that he gets better. Only then can we take the case to trial,” he said.

However, Francis’ lawyer stressed that his client was a law-abiding citizen returning from work and had documents proving his delivery assignment.

“Mr. Peter Francis is not a criminal suspect,” he said.

He disclosed that the shooting has left Francis unable to move the affected leg, with doctors recommending reconstructive plastic surgery to repair damaged blood vessels.

According to the lawyer, the financial burden includes: “₦1,126,600 in outstanding medical bills already incurred at the military hospital and ₦10 million estimated for corrective plastic surgery.”

The lawyer stated, “The total medical cost is estimated at more than ₦11.1 million.”

The lawyer also confirmed that the Divisional Police Officer of the Ketu-Ereyun Divisional Police Station, CSP Kalu Chijioke, visited Francis in hospital, donated blood, and transferred ₦400,000 to the victim’s bank account on June 15, 2026.

“The Divisional Police Officer… donated blood to Mr. Peter Francis and personally transferred the sum of ₦400,000 into his personal bank account. This conduct further suggests an acknowledgment of responsibility for the incident,” he stated.

However, he insisted that the gesture does not absolve the Nigeria Police Force of responsibility.

He called on the police authorities to cover all medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and compensation for the victim.

“In the circumstances, we respectfully call on the Nigeria Police Force to take full responsibility for the treatment, rehabilitation and all medical expenses incurred by Mr. Peter Francis as a result of the reckless and unlawful shooting of an unarmed and innocent civilian by one of its officers.

“Justice must be done, and adequate compensation must be provided to Mr. Peter Francis for the physical, emotional and financial trauma he has suffered,” the lawyer also concluded.

 

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Panic As Bomb Explosion Hits Mushin, CP Tijani Urges Calm

Toyota sienna involved in the explosion

 

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion occurred in the Mushin commercial area of the state, leaving one person injured.

The incident, which triggered panic among traders and residents, happened at the Shoe Materials Market in Mushin, a busy commercial hub in Lagos.

Police authorities said Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operatives were immediately deployed after reports of an explosion were received.

The area was subsequently cordoned off and thoroughly searched to prevent any further security threats.

Preliminary findings indicate that the explosive device was allegedly planted under a vehicle and detonated when the engine was started.

Confirming the development at the scene, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, said swift action was taken to secure the environment.

“We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched,” he said.

He added that early investigations pointed to the use of an Improvised Explosive Device.

“The IED was under the vehicle by the passenger side. It exploded when the vehicle was started,” Tijani stated.

The police boss confirmed that one person sustained injuries in the incident and was taken to hospital, where he is said to be in stable condition.

“There is no further threat in the area. After a detailed sweep by our EOD experts, no additional explosive devices were discovered,” he added.

He urged residents to remain calm and disregard rumours of widespread insecurity in Lagos.

“Members of the public should go about their normal activities. The situation is under control,” he said.

Security operatives later recovered remnants of the explosive device, which have been taken for forensic analysis as investigations continue.

Also, the Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Mr Tajudeen Faronbi, said he was alerted during early morning prayers and immediately notified security authorities.

“Early this morning, around one o’clock, while I was praying, I received a call that something unusual had been seen. When I got there, I saw a vehicle and people were afraid to go near it,” he said.

Faronbi said the swift response helped prevent panic from escalating in the community, adding that the vehicle’s ownership and identity remain unknown.

 Improvised Explosive Devices have been a tool in the hands of terrorist organizations like Boko Haram and ISWAP. 

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How My Son Was Killed By Cultists In Ikorodu While My Wife Watched Helplessly - Father

Mr Tunde Bakare, father of 22-year-old tailor Abdulmalik, who was allegedly killed by suspected cultists during a violent attack in Oreta, Ikorodu, Lagos State, speaks with DANIEL AYANTOYE about the tragic loss of his son, the impact of the incident on his family, his quest for justice, and the need for stronger government action to curb recurring cult-related violence in the community

Your son was recently killed by suspected cultists. How did it happen?

Around 12 noon last Wednesday, a truck carrying a container arrived in the Ajebo area of Ikorodu. Some boys in the area demanded land money from the driver, but they were told that boys from Oreta had already collected the money for the container.

One of the boys who climbed the trailer fell, and he was run over. He died instantly.

Later, around 3 pm, I saw a crowd enter our area in Oreta. I was sitting outside my wife’s shop when I saw them. One of them was shouting, “We will kill all of you in Oreta today.”

I thought it was one of those usual threats, so I left when a job came up.

Around 6 pm, I called my son and he told me he was at home. I asked him to go and help his mother at the shop, which he did. By the time I returned, I was exhausted, so I went home and slept.

Around 8 pm, the cultists stormed our area and started shooting indiscriminately. They killed one person along the road and a disabled man outside my wife’s shop. They then entered the shop and shot my son dead.

My wife had stepped out to relieve herself, but by the time she returned, they had already shot him. She was then shot in the leg. Fortunately, their ammunition ran out at that point, which saved her from being killed.

How is your wife doing now?

She has received treatment and is recovering, but she has been crying constantly because she witnessed the death of her son. Many people have been trying to console her. She has to accept what has happened, and so do I.

When they asked me to go and identify my son’s body at the hospital, I refused. It is too traumatic for a parent to see the corpse of their own child. I asked a relative to handle it for me. I cannot bring myself to look at my son’s body.

Was your son connected to them in any way that made them target your shop?

No. My son did not know them, and we had nothing to do with them.

It was a man called Wasiu who invited the cultists into the area, and they started attacking anyone they saw. The boys from Ajebo were fighting over land-related issues and the money collected from trucks.

My son had nothing to do with any of them. He hardly went out. It was only that evening that he went to assist his mother at the shop. They were preparing to close when the attackers struck.

Where were you when it happened?

I was at home. When I returned from work, I was very tired and fell asleep. I was later woken up by noise and people banging on my gate. That was when I heard that my son had been killed.

They destroyed several shops in the area, including my wife’s shop. She sells soft drinks and other items. There was blood everywhere inside the shop. After it was cleaned, spent bullet shells were found scattered all over the place.

What is your occupation?

I am a businessman. I sell granite.

How many people carried out the attack?

Some of them arrived on five motorcycles, while others came in a tricycle. They appeared determined to kill anyone they could find, but many residents fled. Witnesses said the attackers were calling out the name “Ayana.”

What have the police done since the incident?

After the attack, my son’s body was taken to the mortuary at Ikorodu General Hospital, and the police launched an investigation. They have arrested six people so far, and the Divisional Police Officer promised a thorough investigation. The case has now been transferred to Panti.

Earlier that same day, after the boy was killed by the truck, the police came to our area with some of the boys involved. One of them openly said, “We are coming back tonight to kill you, people.” I even saw one of those boys being brought to the station that afternoon.

Are you sure those arrested were responsible for the attack?

The police are still interrogating them. Their findings will determine that.

Has your son’s body been released to you?

No. Not yet.

What reason were you given for the delay?

They said the body is being held for investigation. They want to conduct an autopsy and complete the process of charging and arraigning those arrested.

What do you want from this case?

I just want my son to be buried.

Don’t you want justice?

Yes, I want justice. You cannot kill someone and simply walk free in a society governed by laws. Every action has consequences.

The police told me that even if I decide not to pursue the case, they will continue with it and ensure justice is served. They said the matter is no longer just my concern but the government’s responsibility. Still, I want my son buried.

What is your community saying about the incident?

People have been visiting me constantly since it happened. Almost the entire community has come to see me.

What are they asking for?

They are pleading with me to allow the matter to be resolved amicably. They claim Wasiu knew nothing about the attack.

I reminded them that Wasiu himself reportedly said that his apprentice, the boy who was killed by the truck, had been killed and that others would follow. People who recorded him saying that confirmed it.

They later told me that he spoke in anger and didn’t mean what he said. I told them that he had already been arrested and was at Panti. The matter is no longer in my hands.

Tell us about your late son.

He was a calm and easy-going young man. He never liked troubling anyone.

He sat for the last UTME and scored 200. He wanted to attend a school in Ijebu-Ode, but when he got there, he discovered he did not have Economics, which was required for the Business Administration programme he wanted to study.

I paid N70,000 for him to register for another NECO so he could make up for the subject. He was waiting to write it.

Before leaving secondary school, he had learned tailoring because he planned to travel to Germany someday. While preparing for further studies, he continued working as a tailor. As a result, he was rarely at home. Even on the day he was killed, he had spent most of the day away.

His mother and I were also preparing for our Nikkah (Islamic marriage ceremony), which was scheduled for the following Sunday. He had been busy sewing clothes for his siblings. He came home, and then this tragedy happened.

Culled from the Punch 

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