.Locals demand justice
ADEBOLA OWOLOLA
A recent invasion of Gberigbe village in Ikorodu Local Government area of Lagos State by alleged land-grabbers has left three persons dead, while scores of others are in critical condition in various hospitals, First News’ investigations revealed at the weekend.
It was gathered that the daylight invasion has brought the community to a standstill, as scores that fled their homes are yet to return, thus paralysing socio-economic activities in the sleepy community.
Sources recalled that over 30 gun-totting invaders alleged to have been led by a certain Chief Lamina, also known as Sir Kay, arrived in a convoy of vehicles, shouting war songs and shooting indiscriminately in different directions.
In the end, three people lay dead, while several others were severely injured.
The Baale (native head) of Gberigbe Community, Chief Korede Oluderu, in an interview with our correspondent, likened the invasion to a typical American horror movie.
According to him, “the gangster warriors illegally invaded our community to shatter our dreams.
“They were left by Sir Kay who has been our tormentor. The invasion was a daylight one. They were all armed to the teeth as they shot their way into the heart of our community, killing, maiming.
“When the dust settled, three persons were picked dead, while several others sustained various degrees of injuries, resulting from gunshots.
“The social life of our community has been paralysed. Our children could not go to school for days as schools were hurriedly shut. People ran helter-skelter .We had to confine our children to their different homes”, he lamented.
Appalled by the incident, the Baale urged the police authorities to apprehend Sir Kay, a renowned land-grabber in the locality, alleging him as the mastermind of all such attacks in Ikorodu rural communities.
“The most civilised way ever known to man is to seek redress in the court of law while contesting ownership of land. But these hooligans appeared to be above the law.
“They are very reckless and crude. They do not fear God or man. Right now, those victims that they killed are still in the mortuary; while those that were maimed during the unprovoked attack are gasping for breath at the emergency wards of various hospitals where they were rushed to.”
The native head added that the matter was reported to the police, “who simply visited the scene of the crime”.
“They (the police) assured us that justice would be done in this matter, but we later found out that the police had compromised.
“It was only yesterday we staged a peaceful protest at Alausa Governor’s Office in Ikeja. We told our listening governor (Babajide Sanwo-Olu) all that transpired here. He assured us of justice.
“However, on our return from the Governor’s Office, my people were once again attacked by these same people who were asking for the corpses we brought from the General Hospital.
“The attackers inflicted bodily harm on the people. Now, we sleep with our eyes open. But it would be irresponsible of anyone to think that we will freely submit that which belongs to us,” Chief Oluderu narrated.
Also speaking with our correspondent, the Iyaloja (head of market women) for the community, Chief (Mrs.) Bisola Yusuf, pointed out that “the invaders were not from the moon”.
She averred that they had the backing of some persons in high places, “judging from their level of impunity”.
“These invaders were not aliens from outer space. They came here to kill and to steal but we cannot fold our arms, even though we are very law-abiding individuals.
“This is why we want the government to come and help us bring to book, the evil doers for us to live in peace and harmony that we are known for,” she pleased.
A victim of the horrendous attack, Mr. Mattew Adedokun, who also spoke with our correspondent, said he was caught up and hit by bullets.
According to him, “I was coming from Olokuta in the nearby town and ran into their ambush. I did not know that something of that nature was in the offing. They shot at me without showing any mercy”.
When contacted, however, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the matter was under investigation.
Adejobi, a Chief Superintendent of Police, replied, “We are investigating the incident. Justice will be sought at the appropriate channel.”
Meanwhile, all efforts to speak with Sir Kay were not successful.
However, one of his lieutenants who pleaded anonymity, said that his boss was not present when the incident happened at Gberigbe.
“Our Oga was not there. I do not know. You see, if you are looking for the killers of Gberigbe people, look in other directions, ” he sounded off.