ICYMI: Families seek justice as death toll in Lagos auto parts market shooting rises to six

Families of traders killed in the police shooting at the Owode Onírin spare parts market in Lagos have renewed their call for justice as the death toll from the August 27 incident has risen to six.

The victims, all traders, were shot when policemen reportedly stormed the market and opened fire.

The incident involved four mobile policemen, led by one Abiodun Hakeem Ariori, who reportedly opened fire on traders, killing four instantly. Two others later died in hospital from injuries sustained during the attack.

Benjamin Hundeyin, then spokesperson of the Lagos police command, confirmed the arrest and detention of the officers involved and declared Ariori wanted. Ariori later surrendered himself to the police.

At a press conference organised by the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) in Lagos, grieving relatives recounted the final moments of their loved ones.

Adeoye’s mother described how her son, who had just fathered a new baby, succumbed after surgery.

“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,” she said according to Punch.

“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 for years. They took him away from me. How do I care for his wife and child now?”

Abiodun Temilola, representing the family of Idowu, said the victim died in transit after doctors at Ikorodu General Hospital failed to remove a bullet lodged in his body.

“We had not reached the Agric Bus Stop on our way to Ikeja Hospital when he died. Idowu had two wives and three children. He was shot inside his shop. We want justice. Innocent lives should not be wasted like this,” he said.

Dauda Osokoya, elder brother to Seyi Akinboye, recalled the shock of receiving the news.

“I was told my brother left his shop to buy food when he was killed. When I finally got to the hospital, I saw him lying on a table as if he was just sleeping,” he said.

“He bled to death after being shot in the thigh. Our mother is 80 years old; I couldn’t tell her immediately. I lied that he had travelled to Libya. He left behind a wife and three children, the oldest only seven. What we want is justice. Everyone involved must be held accountable.”

Alex Omotehinse, CHSR president, condemned the Lagos state government for ignoring earlier petitions by the traders.

“For months, the Owode traders cried out for help. They wrote letters, staged protests, and delivered petitions to governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos assembly. Their warnings were ignored. Now, their blood has been spilt,” he said.

Omotehinse also accused state officials of complicity in land grabbing under the guise of development.

“Public office holders use fronts like Ariori to seize land and enrich themselves while poor families are stripped of their homes, shops, and livelihoods. This is governance turned into a business,” he added.