Six slain Lagos traders buried
•Families demand justice The six slain traders at the Owode Onirin International Motor Spare Parts Market in Owode, Ketu, Lagos, have been laid to rest in Ikorodu. The traders were
•Families demand justice
- By Udeh Onyebuchi
The six slain traders at the Owode Onirin International Motor Spare Parts Market in Owode, Ketu, Lagos, have been laid to rest in Ikorodu.
The traders were killed last August following a fatal police shooting during a controversial takeover of a section of the expansive spare parts market.
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The emotional burial rites began at Ikorodu General Hospital, where relatives gathered in grief to receive the remains of the victims.
Their deaths, which occurred on August 27, last year, widely referred to as “Black Wednesday”, continue to spark public outrage and demands for accountability.
Eyewitnesses said the victims were caught in a clash triggered by a disputed demolition of shops in the market, located within Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
What reportedly began as resistance by the traders escalated, culminating in gunfire that left six men dead.
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The deceased were identified as Seyi Akinboye, Adeoye Taiwo, Dare Mufutau, Aderemi Hakeem, Abraham Temoola and Wale Adebayo.
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At the burial, emotions ran high as relatives described the victims as industrious men and primary breadwinners for their families. Many insisted that justice must be pursued to its logical conclusion.
“These were innocent men trying to earn a living. Their killers must be held accountable,” one mourner said.
Authorities have charged four police officers, Manu Bala, Jibrin Samaila, Ibrahim Garuba and Ibrahim Kashimu, with conspiracy and murder in connection with the incident.
They remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Despite this, families of the victims expressed dissatisfaction, alleging that the individual believed to have masterminded the operation has yet to face prosecution. They urged the government and relevant authorities to ensure that no one involved escapes justice.
Human rights organisations have also condemned the killings, calling for an independent investigation and adequate compensation for the bereaved families.
The victims were eventually laid to rest in Igbogbo amid heart-wrenching scenes, leaving behind widows, children and a community still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
Chairman of the market, Abiodun Ahmed, reaffirmed the traders’ resolve to pursue justice, pledging that the incident would not be forgotten until all those responsible are held to account.
