Lagos market massacre: Death toll rises to six after police shooting

Egbetokun

The death toll from the August 27 police shooting at the Owode Onírin Spare Parts Market in Lagos has risen to six, sparking renewed outrage and calls for justice, PUNCH Metro findings revealed.

The incident, allegedly carried out by four Mobile Policemen led by one Abiodun Hakeem Ariori, left four traders dead on the spot after the officers reportedly stormed the market in gangster style and shot sporadically into the crowd.

The former spokesperson for the state police command, Benjamin Hundeyin, had confirmed the arrest and detention of the officers involved while declaring Ariori wanted.

Ariori, according to a PUNCH Metro report, later surrendered himself to the command.

But the tragedy deepened when two more traders, who had been battling for their lives in the hospital, succumbed to their injuries.

The latest victim, Aderemi Adeoye, was said to have died on September 1 after undergoing a surgery and spending days on life support.

The six traders killed have been identified as Seyi Akinboye, Adeoye Taiwo, Dare Mufutau, Abraham Temilola, Wale Adebayo, and Aderemi Adeoye.

At a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday by the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, grieving relatives recounted the harrowing final moments of their loved ones.

Adeoye’s mother, weeping as she spoke, said the loss of her first son had broken her.

“One of his brothers called me to say that my son was in the hospital. They said he had been shot while at his shop. When I got there the following morning, I saw him on oxygen after surgery.

“He remained there until September 1, when he was confirmed dead. He was my first son. His wife had just given birth to a baby. The baby is less than seven months old. I laboured over him (her son) for years. They took him away from me. How do I care for his wife and child now? ”