Tragedy struck in the Yovoyan community of Badagry, Lagos State, as gunmen invaded the area in the early hours of Tuesday, killing three people over an alleged land dispute.
The attack left residents in shock and mourning.
Among the victims were two members of the Atideka family, Richard and Latevi Atideka, as well as Muji Onilude from the neighboring Gberefu community. According to eyewitnesses, the perpetrators included an ex-police officer and an accomplice.
Survivor David Atideka recounted the chilling events, stating that the attack occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. in the Atideka compound.
“I was inside my room speaking with my wife when I stepped out to urinate. As I returned, 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, only to find him dead—he had been shot as well.”
David alleged that one of the attackers was his elder brother, a former police officer, whom he recognized clearly.
The dispute over land ownership had been ongoing between the suspect and his brothers.
A reliable source revealed that the issue had been taken to court, where the suspect was previously arrested and later released on bail.
A final judgment on the case was expected on Thursday.
Another victim, Muji Onilude, was killed moments after visiting his son, Yusuf Onilude. “My father came to my room at about 2:10 a.m. We spoke briefly before he left.
Less than five minutes later, I heard gunshots outside. I rushed out and saw a man fleeing.
I tried to chase him, but he fired shots in the air and escaped.
When I returned, I found my father in a pool of blood,” Yusuf recounted.
Community representative James Yovoyan called on the police to bring the perpetrators to justice, while Lorence Atideka, the family head, urged the government to take action against those responsible.
However, Henry Atideka, the son of the alleged suspect, denied the accusations.
“My father was not present when the attack happened. He has since been invited by the police.
While the family had disagreements, it was not about land but a conspiracy that was supposed to be resolved on Thursday.”
A senior police officer confirmed that the corpses had been taken to the General Hospital in Badagry and that an investigation into the killings was underway.