The Yovoyan community in Badagry, Lagos, was thrown into mourning when an ex-police officer, allegedly shot and k!lled two family members and one other person over a land dispute.
It was gathered that Mr Richard Atideka, and Mrs Latevi Atideka, both from the Yovoyan community and Mr Muji Onilude (PICTURED) from the neighbouring Gberefu community, were allegedly k!lled by the ex-police officer and his accomplice on Tuesday morning, April 1, 2025.
A survivor of the attack, Mr David Atideka, recounted the harrowing experience, stating that the incident 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,” he narrated.
“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.”
He further alleged that he saw his second elder brother who is the ex-police officer (suspect), along with another armed person, leaving the compound after k!lling his wife and other brother.
“The person I saw was my brother, the police officer. I recognized him clearly,” he said.
NAN learnt that the alleged suspected k!ller had been in a long-standing dispute with his brothers over land ownership.
The publication said a reliable source disclosed that the suspect had been attempting to seize land from David and Richard Atideka.
“They had taken the matter to court, where the suspect was arrested and detained but later released on bail. They were due for a final court judgment this Thursday,” the source revealed.
Meanwhile, Mr Yusuf Onilude, the son of slain Muji Onilude, said his father had just left his room moments before he was m8rdered.
“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,” he said.
“When I returned, I found my father in a pool of blood. He had been shot d3ad.”
Reacting to the incident, the community representative, Mr James Yovoyan urged the police to ensure the perpetrators were brought to justice.
Chief Lorence Atideka, the family head, lamented the tragedy, calling on the government to arrest and prosecute everyone involved.
However, Henry Atideka, the son of the alleged k!ller, denied the accusations, claiming that unknown gunmen carried out 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.
