Emotional Farewell: Six Fallen Traders of Owode Onirin Market Laid to Rest in Lagos
Six merchants who lost their lives during a brutal episode at the Owode Onirin International Motor Spare Parts Market in Ketu, Lagos, have been interred in Ikorodu amidst renewed demands for justice.
The victims were fatally wounded on August 27 last year during a contentious operation at the market, an event that has since been broadly termed “Black Wednesday.”
Family members and supporters assembled at Ikorodu General Hospital for the initiation of the burial ceremonies, receiving the remains of the deceased in an environment laden with sorrow and distress.
Eyewitness testimonies suggested that the tragic event arose from tensions regarding a disputed destruction of stores within the market, situated in the Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area.
What began as opposition from merchants reportedly escalated into a clash that culminated in gunfire, resulting in six fatalities.
The deceased were recognized as Seyi Akinboye, Adeoye Taiwo, Dare Mufutau, Aderemi Hakeem, Abraham Temoola, and Wale Adebayo.
During the burial, family members portrayed the victims as diligent individuals who were primary breadwinners for their households, emphasizing that their untimely deaths have created a profound void for their relatives.
Numerous mourners insisted that those accountable must face justice.
“These were innocent individuals striving to make a living. Their assailants must be held responsible,” a mourning relative remarked.
Authorities have since charged four police officers; Manu Bala, Jibrin Samaila, Ibrahim Garuba, and Ibrahim Kashimu, with conspiracy and murder related to the incident. The officers are currently detained as legal processes progress.
Nevertheless, the families of the victims expressed dissatisfaction with the case’s advancement, asserting that the person believed to have orchestrated the operation remains unprosecuted.
They urged the government and relevant authorities to guarantee that all involved are held responsible.
Human rights organizations have also denounced the murders, calling for an independent investigation and fair compensation for the affected families.
The victims were laid to rest in Igbogbo, Ikorodu, in a heartfelt ceremony, leaving behind widows, children, and a community still dealing with the repercussions of the tragedy.
Chairman of the market, Abiodun Ahmed, reaffirmed the traders’ dedication to pursuing justice, pledging that the matter would not be overlooked until everyone accountable is held to account.
