A tragic incident unfolded in the Akoka area of Yaba, Lagos, on Wednesday, November 22, 2017, when gunmen stormed a family residence, killing a couple while their son narrowly escaped.
The victims, Mr. Martin and Mrs. Patience Aruwajoye, were fatally shot outside their home at 25 Shobande Street. Their son, Abiola Aruwajoye, survived the attack.
The couple were the parents of human rights activist Temitope Aruwajoye.
According to eyewitness accounts and local residents, suspicion has fallen on the Izala Islamic group, citing the method of the attack as consistent with previous acts attributed to the sect.
Prior to the shooting, two men dressed in traditional northern attire reportedly visited the residence, asking for the whereabouts of Temitope Aruwajoye. Abiola said he grew uneasy after their visit, particularly when he was unable to contact his sister to verify the men’s claims.
Recalling the moment of the attack, Abiola said, “Around 8 p.m., I was behind the house while my parents were on the veranda waiting for the power to return. Suddenly, I heard gunshots and the sound of a car speeding off. When I rushed to the front, I saw my parents lying in a pool of blood.”
In response to the incident, Lagos State Police Command spokesman SP Chike Oti assured the public that the assailants would be brought to justice.
“The perpetrators of this heinous crime will not go unpunished. Justice will be served,” he said.
The investigation into the killings is ongoing.