Death toll in Lagos spare parts market shooting rises to six, families call for justice

The death toll from the August 27 police shooting at the Owode Onírin Spare Parts Market in Lagos has climbed to six, as bereaved families intensify their calls for justice.

The incident occurred when four Mobile Policemen, reportedly led by one Abiodun Hakeem Ariori, stormed the market in a violent operation and opened fire indiscriminately, killing four traders instantly.

Following public outrage, the Lagos State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the officers involved, while Ariori, who was declared wanted, later turned himself in.

The tragedy worsened after two additional victims who sustained critical injuries succumbed while receiving treatment in hospital. The latest casualty, Aderemi Adeoye, died on September 1 after undergoing surgery and spending days on life support.

The six traders who lost their lives in the shooting were identified as Seyi Akinboye, Taiwo Adeoye, Dare Mufutau, Abraham Temilola, Wale Adebayo, and Aderemi Adeoye.

At a press conference in Lagos convened by the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, grief-stricken relatives narrated the painful final moments of their loved ones. Adeoye’s mother, overwhelmed with emotion, described the devastating loss of her first son.

“One of his brothers called to say my son had been shot at his shop. By the time I got to the hospital the next morning, he was on oxygen after surgery. He stayed there until September 1, when he was confirmed dead. He was my first son. His wife had just had a baby less than seven months ago. Now they’ve taken him from me. How do I care for his wife and child?” she lamented.

Also speaking, Abiodun Temilola, representing the Idowu family, said his relative died en route to hospital after doctors at Ikorodu General Hospital were unable to extract a lodged bullet.

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