There was outrage in Alagbado area of Lagos State following the death of two youths, Tunmise Adedeji and Ganiyu Adebayo aka Oludegun.
Adedeji and Adebayo were allegedly killed on July 20 during a protest by residents of Temidire area of Alagbado against the land-grabbing activities of dreaded land speculator cum hotelier, Tunji Rasak Olaniyi aka Alhaji Gay.
The protest apparently turned bloody when Alhaji Gay stormed the scene with armed men and shot into the crowd of protesters, causing the death of Adedeji and Adebayo.
Alhaji Gay was killed in a reprisal attack by an irate mob. Twelve suspects, including the traditional ruler of the community, Chief Najeem Abioye, are currently being tried in a Lagos High Court, Igbosere, for the killing of Alhaji Gay.
Heartbroken family members and concerned residents have, however, condemned the killing of the youths. Aggrieved residents urged the police to fish out the killers in the interest of justice.
Speaking with The Nation, a community leader, Musa Alo said that the case of the residents shot dead by loyalists of Alhaji Gay during the protest was being ignored by the law enforcement agents.
He said: “There was a peaceful rally by landlords and residents against the forcible land-grabbing activities of Tunji Rasak Olaniyi aka Alhaji Gay on July 20. The protesters were about to disperse when Alhaji Gay suddenly stormed the scene of the rally with some hoodlums armed with guns and other dangerous weapons. They shot sporadically into the crowd of protesters which led to the death of Ganiyu Adebayo aka Oludegun while several others were injured.
“Not done yet, the hoodlums went on rampage, destroying buildings and shooting three people, including Adedeji, who later died of gunshot injuries a few minutes later. Surprisingly, the Baale of the community and eleven others have been arrested and are currently being prosecuted for the murder of Alhaji Gay, while the hoodlums who killed Adedeji and Adebayo are left untouched.”
It was gathered that the community had written a petition to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lagos State, for its intervention in the interest of justice.
A cross-section of residents who spoke with our correspondent berated the police for what they termed ‘selective justice’ in abandoning the case of others killed by thugs loyal to Alhaji Gay.
A resident known only as Oyelade said: “The police must fish out the killers of Adedeji and Adebayo aka Oludegun. Some of the hoodlums responsible for their death are known and can be identified if seen and the case should not be swept under the carpet while others are being tried for the killing of Alhaji Gay whose thugs also killed Adedeji and Adebayo during a protest by landlords against Alhaji Gay’s land-grabbing activities.”
While demanding justice, a woman who asked not to be named said the killing of the two youths by hoodlums “is condemnable and should be thoroughly investigated by the police in order to bring the masterminds to justice.”