Ex-Police Officer Allegedly Kills 2 Family Members Over Land Dispute in Badagry

By Raji Rasak | Updated: April 2, 2025

Community in Mourning After Deadly Family Feud

The peaceful Yovoyan community in Badagry, Lagos, was plunged into grief on Tuesday morning when a former police officer allegedly shot and killed two family members and a neighbor in a violent land dispute.

The Victims and the Attack

According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the victims were identified as:

• Mr. Richard Atideka (family member)
• Mrs. Latevi Atideka (family member)
• Mr. Muji Onilude (neighbor from Gberefu community)

Eyewitness Account of the Tragedy

David Atideka, who survived the attack, described the terrifying events that unfolded between 2:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. in their family compound:

“I was inside my room discussing with my wife when I stepped out to urinate. As I did, I saw two armed men entering the compound. I quickly hid nearby. They entered my room, asked for me, and immediately shot my wife in the head. Out of fear, I ran to inform my elder brother, but when I arrived, I found his lifeless body—he had been shot too.”

David claimed he clearly recognized his brother, the ex-police officer, among the attackers leaving the compound after the shootings.

Roots of the Conflict

Investigations revealed the suspect had been embroiled in a long-standing land dispute with his brothers. A reliable source disclosed:

“They had taken the matter to court, where the suspect was arrested and detained but later released on bail. They were due for a final court judgment this Thursday.”

Another Family’s Tragedy

Yusuf Onilude, son of the slain neighbor Muji Onilude, shared his heartbreaking account:

“My father came to my room at about 2:10 a.m. We spoke for a few minutes before he left. Less than five minutes later, I heard gunshots outside… When I returned, I found my father in a pool of blood.”

Community and Family Reactions

Community representative James Yovoyan demanded justice, while family head Chief Lorence Atideka called for prosecution of all involved.

However, Henry Atideka, son of the alleged killer, denied the accusations:

“My father was not around when the incident happened… Although the family had some disagreements, it was not about land but a conspiracy, which we planned to resolve this Thursday.”

Police Investigation Underway

A senior police officer confirmed the bodies had been taken to Badagry General Hospital and an investigation had been launched into the killings.

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa | Source: NAN (News Agency of Nigeria)