Owode-Onirin Motor Parts Market Tragedy: Seven Killed Amid Land Dispute Clash

At the Owode-Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market in Lagos State, violence linked to an ongoing land dispute left seven people dead and over 50 vehicles destroyed. The conflict involved suspected land grabbers led by Abiodun Ariori and police officers, some of whom were allegedly working for the land grabbers. Traders recounted attacks by hoodlums armed with guns and cutlasses who vandalised numerous vehicles before police opened fire, causing multiple casualties. The police initially reported three deaths, but traders and hospital sources confirmed seven fatalities, with several others injured and struggling to access medical care due to financial constraints.

Eyewitness reports describe chaos and confusion as thugs loyal to Abiodun fired from a nearby hotel while police also shot at traders, worsening the situation. The market leaders traced the root of the crisis to a protracted land dispute involving attempts by suspected land grabbers and local council officials to take over parts of the market. The chairman of the market, Abiodun Ahmed, noted that the market has been operational since 1979 under Lagos State government administration and that attempts to resolve the dispute through authorities had failed.

At Ikorodu General Hospital, four corpses were confirmed in the mortuary, with more bodies possibly at other healthcare facilities. Families of victims, such as Taiwo Adeoye and Akeem Adeoye, have demanded the release of bodies and justice for the killings. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command declared Abiodun Ariori wanted for his role in the mayhem and arrested several police officers involved, transferring them to Abuja for investigation.

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The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights condemned the killings as a barbaric massacre and alleged state complicity, calling for justice and accountability.

This tragic incident highlights the deadly consequences of unresolved land disputes and the dangerous involvement of law enforcement officers in illegal activities within Lagos State markets.