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By Lukman Olabiyi
Families, friends and colleagues on Wednesday mourned as six traders killed during a police shooting at the Owode-Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market in Lagos were laid to rest.
The solemn proceedings began at Ikorodu General Hospital, where grief-stricken relatives gathered to receive the bodies of the victims, whose deaths on August 27, 2025, now dubbed “Black Wednesday”, continue to spark outrage.
Witnesses recalled that the traders were shot during a chaotic confrontation that followed a disputed demolition of shops in the market, located in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA. What began as resistance to the demolition reportedly escalated into gunfire, leaving six men dead.
The victims were identified as Seyi Akinboye, Adeoye Taiwo, Dare Mufutau, Aderemi Hakeem, Abraham Temoola and Wale Adebayo.
At the burial, relatives described the deceased as hardworking breadwinners and demanded justice for their killings.
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“These were innocent men trying to survive. Their deaths must not go unpunished,” a trader said.
Four police officers—Manu Bala, Jibrin Samaila, Ibrahim Garuba and Ibrahim Kashimu—have been charged with conspiracy and murder in connection with the incident and are currently in custody pending legal advice.
However, families of the victims expressed concern that the alleged mastermind of the operation has yet to be prosecuted, urging authorities to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice.
Human rights groups also condemned the killings, calling for an independent investigation and compensation for affected families.
The victims were later buried in Igbogbo amid emotional scenes, with widows and children left to grapple with the loss.
The chairman of the market, Abiodun Ahmed, reiterated the market’s commitment to fighting for justice for the victims.
