By ADEKUNLE WILLIAMS

The families of victims of the Owode-Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market clash have appealed to the Federal Government to intervene in the deadly violence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that a violent clash in August between traders and suspected land grabbers, left seven dead, while a police officer was critically injured.

NAN also recalled that the prime suspect, Mr. Abiodun Ariori, CEO of Prosperous Ariori Golden Venture Limited, was declared wanted by Lagos police after preliminary investigations.

At a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos, victims’ families and the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) described the incident as a “barbaric massacre”.

They displayed placards bearing inscriptions such as: ‘Killers of Owode traders must be brought to book’ and ‘IGP withdraw officers from land grabbers in Lagos’.

Speaking for the victims, Mr. Dauda Oshokoya, brother of deceased trader Seyi Akinboye, said his 38-year-old brother, shot during the incident, was yet to receive justice.

Grieving Oshokoya expressed shock at the alleged silence of the state government after the incident, blaming the tragedy on “unchecked activities of land grabbers” in Lagos.

He said: “My late brother was seeking daily livelihood when killed. He left behind three children and a wife, yet no justice has been served.

“I visited the CP’s office the next day, but he was absent. At Panti CID, we waited three hours with no response. Justice must prevail.”

Also speaking, Mrs. Modupe Adeoye, mother of slain trader Hakeem Adeoye, lamented that the state government appeared uninterested in addressing the deadly attacks that killed her son.

Still mourning, Adeoye said she was traumatized by the murder of her 40-year-old son at work, urging the National Assembly to ensure justice for all affected families.

She added that her son was survived by a wife and seven-month-old baby, and called on the Federal Government to intervene swiftly, insisting “justice must prevail”.

Earlier, CHSR President, Mr. Alex Omotehinse, urged the National Assembly to consider the emotional trauma of victims’ families after the Aug. 27 killings and ensure justice.

He stressed that the incident, which claimed seven lives, occurred a day after over 1,000 shops were demolished despite the case still pending before the Lagos High Court.

Omotehinse listed the deceased traders as: Messrs Seyi Akinboye, Adeoye Taiwo, Dare Mufutau, Hakeem Adeoye, Abraham Idowu and Wale Adebayo, all breadwinners of their families.

He said the group had lost confidence in the government’s handling of the matter, hence their direct appeal for urgent Federal Government intervention and accountability.

“We have lost faith in Lagos prosecution because the land grabber constantly boasts of attorney-general’s backing. This raises suspicions of compromise and political protection.

“Having lost faith in the state’s adjudication, we now urge the Federal Government to intervene immediately because foul play appears likely in this tragic case,” Omotehinse said.

He demanded adequate compensation and medical support for families of slain traders, alongside security deployment to the market to protect traders and prevent further bloodshed.

Omotehinse recalled that traders had staged peaceful protests, submitted letters and petitions to the state government and Lagos Assembly, but no action was taken before the tragedy. (NAN)

• PHOTO: Alex Omotehinse, the President, Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR) (middle) at a news conference in Lagos on Wednesday

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