Tragedy struck in the Yovoyan community of Badagry, Lagos, on Tuesday morning as an ex-police officer allegedly shot and killed three people, including two family members, over a lingering land dispute.
The victims, identified as Mr. Richard Atideka, Mrs. Latevi Atideka—both from Yovoyan—and Mr. Muji Onilude from the neighboring Gberefu community, were reportedly killed by the ex-police officer and an accomplice.
Survivor Recounts Horrific Attack
A survivor, Mr. David Atideka, narrated the chilling incident, which 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.
“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 recounted.
He alleged that he saw his brother, the ex-police officer, alongside another armed person, leaving the compound after the killings.
“The person I saw was my brother, the police officer. I recognized him clearly,” he said.
Long-Standing Land Dispute
According to sources, the alleged suspect had been embroiled in a protracted land dispute with his brothers, David and Richard Atideka.
“They had taken the matter to court, where the suspect was arrested and detained but later released on bail. The final court judgment was scheduled for Thursday,” a reliable source disclosed.
Eyewitness Account from Third Victim’s Family
Mr. Yusuf Onilude, son of the slain Muji Onilude, recounted his father’s final moments.
“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.
Calls for Justice
Reacting to the incident, community representative Mr. James Yovoyan urged the police to ensure the perpetrators were brought to justice.
Chief Lorence Atideka, the family head, described the tragedy as devastating and called on the government to arrest and prosecute everyone involved.
However, Henry Atideka, son of the alleged killer, denied the accusations, insisting 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.
The Lagos State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
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