The Yovoyan community in Badagry, Lagos, is in mourning after an ex-police officer allegedly shot and killed two family members and one other person over a land dispute.
On Tuesday morning, April 1, 2025, Richard Atideka and his wife, Latevi Atideka, both from Yovoyan, along with Muji Onilude, a resident of the nearby Gberefu community, were reportedly killed by the ex-police officer and an accomplice.
A survivor of the attack, David Atideka, recounted the terrifying incident, which took place between 2:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. in the Atideka household. “I was talking with my wife inside my room when I stepped out to urinate. As I did, I saw two armed men entering the compound. I quickly hid,” David said.
He continued, “They entered my room, asked for me, and shot my wife in the head. Out of fear, I ran to inform my elder brother, but when I arrived, I found him dead—he had been shot too.”
David alleged that he saw his second elder brother, the ex-police officer (suspect), with another armed man, leaving the compound after the killings. “I recognized him clearly as my brother, the police officer,” he added.
It was learned that the suspect had been embroiled in a long-standing land dispute with his brothers. A source revealed that the suspect had been attempting to seize land from David and Richard Atideka. The matter had been taken to court, where the suspect was arrested and detained but later released on bail. The final court judgment was scheduled for Thursday.
Yusuf Onilude, the son of the slain Muji Onilude, shared his account of the events. He explained that his father had left his room shortly before being murdered. “My father came to my room around 2:10 a.m. We talked briefly, and he left. Less than five minutes later, I heard gunshots. I rushed outside and saw a man running away. I chased him, but he fired shots in the air and escaped,” Yusuf said. “When I returned, I found my father lying in a pool of blood. He had been shot dead.”
In response to the tragedy, community representative James Yovoyan called for the police to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Family head Chief Lorence Atideka also condemned the killings, urging the government to arrest and prosecute all those involved.
However, Henry Atideka, the son of the alleged killer, denied the accusations, claiming that unknown gunmen were responsible for the attack. “My father wasn’t home at the time, and he has been invited by the police. Although the family had disagreements, it was not about land but rather a conspiracy that we planned to resolve this Thursday,” he said.
