The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has condemned the killing of four traders during a violent clash between land grabbers and shop owners at the Owode-Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market in Lagos, calling for justice and accountability.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Friday, CHSR President, Alex Omotehinse, described the incident as a “barbaric massacre,” accusing land grabbers and their alleged police collaborators of unleashing terror on innocent traders.
The violence, which erupted on Wednesday, also left a police officer critically injured and caused major disruptions to commercial activities in the area.
Families of the victims carried placards demanding the arrest of the perpetrators, with inscriptions such as: “Killers of Owode traders must be brought to book.”
Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that combined tactical units, including the Rapid Response Squad and State CID, were deployed to restore order.
He also disclosed that Abiodun Ariori, Chief Executive of Prosperous Ariori Golden Venture Limited, had been declared wanted in connection with the killings.
Omotehinse alleged that armed thugs, aided by four policemen brought into Lagos by the land grabbers, stormed the market to attack traders.
He further accused state institutions of ignoring petitions and distress calls sent to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State House of Assembly prior to the incident.
“The silence and inaction of state authorities emboldened these actors, paving the way for bloodshed,” Omotehinse said, demanding compensation for victims’ families, medical support for the injured, and permanent security presence at the market.
He also urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Lagos Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killings and the earlier demolition of over 1,000 shops at the market, which he noted remains the subject of a pending court case.
One victim’s brother, Arowojobe Adewale, recounted how his sibling, Adebayo Adewale, was gunned down while stepping out to buy food. “By the time I got there, he was already lifeless,” he said, urging Governor Sanwo-Olu to intervene and ensure justice.
CHSR called for the immediate disclosure of the identities of the policemen allegedly involved and their prosecution if found culpable.