Ijagemo Community in Uproar Over Brutal Killing of Peaceful Trader, Police Probe

Ijagemo Community in Uproar Over Brutal Killing of Peaceful Trader, Police Probe

…..as community stakeholders call for justice

By Naomi Onome

A tragic incident has shaken the Ijagemo community in Lagos following the brutal killing of Charles Chimezie Nwachukwu in his shop on Friday night between 9 and 10 p.m. Eyewitness accounts and community leaders described the attack as violent and unexpected, raising concerns about safety in the area.

Dr. Anthony Ukachukwu, an Igbo leader, said he was alerted by the victim’s wife Mrs Blessing Nwachukwu, who cried out for help after her husband was attacked. Upon arriving at the scene, he confirmed that the victim had already been moved to several hospitals, where he was reportedly denied admission before being taken elsewhere.

Dr. Ukachukwu noted clear signs of a violent assault at the scene, including damaged roofing caused by objects such as stones and interlock bricks thrown by the attackers. He expressed shock, emphasizing that the Igbos in the  community is known for being peaceful and hardworking, with no history of such violence.

Community leader Eze Dr. CC Nwokedi, Ezendigbo Ijegun Ijeododo, Chairman of the Council of Ndi’Eze Igbo Lagos called for calm following the incident. He said he was contacted by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Isheri Oshun Police Division under the ‘Area M’ Command Idimu and worked with local leaders to prevent unrest while assuring residents that the matter is under investigation.

Nwokedi confirmed that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing. He added that he has communicated with top police authorities, urging them to ensure justice is served, while also appealing to residents to allow law enforcement to handle the case.

Innocent Ogoke, the president of a social club where the late Charles Chimezie Nwachukwu belongs recounted receiving a distress message from the victim’s wife, Mrs. Blessing Nwachukwu. He rushed to the General Hospital, where he found the victim already lifeless in a vehicle.

Innocent said witnesses reported that a group of attackers armed with planks and other objects carried out the assault. He later visited the scene and observed broken bottles and signs of a struggle, further confirming the brutality of the attack.

 Emmanuel Ejiogu, described the victim as a peaceful individual who avoided conflict. He alleged that the attack may have been premeditated and raised concerns about ongoing intimidation within the community.

Ejiogu also claimed that a police officer may have been involved in the incident Samson Ajakaye, accusing the officer of abuse of power and suggesting that the suspect has connections that could obstruct justice. He urged authorities to thoroughly investigate these allegations.

The victim’s widow in an emotional interview alleged that the killing was linked to a long-standing land dispute. She claimed that a man identified as Samson Ajakaye, a police officer popularly called “Olopa”, accompanied by a large group of armed individuals of about 30 men, stormed their shop and attacked her husband while they were eating, ignoring her pleas for help.

Blessing further alleged that the attackers vandalised their property and had been threatening her family over ownership of the land. Calling for justice, she appealed to the government and security agencies to investigate the case thoroughly and ensure accountability, while also seeking protection for her family.

The widow claims that Baale of Ijagemo Aworiland High Chief Olateju Jimoh-Balogun orchestrated the attack, having previously threatened her family regarding the land ownership of their shop. She asserts that the land was legitimately purchased, but disputes over ownership arose after Baale requested a revalidation of the said land. she requested an official receipt from Baale after the revalidation but was denied  leading to the confiscation of her documents and subsequent years of harassment.

The assailants not only attacked her husband but also vandalized the shop. The widow maintained that there was no prior conflict to provoke such brutality and described the incident as a calculated attempt to force her family off their property.

She also revealed that a certain woman popularly known as ‘Iya Lekan’ presumed to be Baale of Ijagemo’s love interest is also a culprit who has threatened her life several times. The said woman who sells all kinds of illicit drugs has once been called out on radio by anonymous members of the community for harbouring criminal elements who buys illicit drugs and constitute nuisance in the community.

According to Blessing, the men who attacked her husband were from Iya Lekan’s shop, where the unrest started. Iya Lekan has vowed openly not to allow peace to reign as long as there is a shop in contest with her. Mrs Blessing said they do not even sell the same items, nor do they have any related business at all.

In her plea for justice, Blessing has called on authorities to investigate, seeking justice for her husband and protection for her six children. She said, “All I want is justice; my husband was killed in his own shop while we were eating, eyewitnesses were there, and the government must come to my aid.”

The incident has raised concerns among residents, with the widow alleging that criminal activities and intimidation are prevalent in the area. Blessing ( the widow) urged authorities to verify her claims and take action to ensure the safety of the community.

The over 300 individuals comprising of friends and family of the late Charles Chimezie Nwachukwu who paid their condolences to the family of late Charles Chimezie Nwachukwu, appealed to the Lagos State Government and the federal government to address the issues of intimidation, land grabbing and incessant killings of non indigenes. The death of Charles is one too many an incident that constantly occurs in the Ijagemo area of the Ijegun Community and needs to be addressed.

Investigations into the incident are expected to follow. Meanwhile the police have some suspects in custody including the said Samson Ajakaye and others.

Moreover, the Area Commander of Area M Command, ACP Tokunbo Abaniwonda visited the family of late Charles Chimezie Nwachukwu at their Ijagemo residence as directed by the Commissioner of Police Lagos State, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh.

More updates…..