A retired police officer, whose identity has not yet been revealed, is believed to have taken his own life after allegedly murdering three individuals, including two family members, in the Yovoyan community of Badagry, Lagos State.
It was reported that this heartbreaking incident, seemingly linked to a long-standing land conflict, occurred in the early hours of Tuesday.
The victims have been identified as Richard Atideka and Latevi Atideka, both from Yovoyan, along with Muji Onilude, who hailed from the nearby Gberefu community. According to sources, the victims were attacked in their home around midnight by a group of armed assailants, who entered their rooms and shot them in the process.
An Individual who wished to remain anonymous reported that the former police officer committed the crime around 2 a.m. “The victim went to the home of some family members at that time, where the incident took place. It is alleged that he shot Richard and Latevi with a firearm before fleeing the scene.” In another incident, the ex-police officer reportedly went to Onilude’s house, where he also shot and killed him.
Oluyide is not part of the family, yet he was shot by the former officer shortly after the officer killed two family members. A report filed at the police station indicates that community members heard gunfire around midnight. The reason behind the incident remains unclear, but there are allegations of a dispute regarding family land, which is currently under legal consideration. This information was shared by a source.
On Wednesday, the Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that the assailant took his own life following the crime.
Command spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin shared in a recent discussion that the former police officer reportedly ingested a toxic substance, lost consciousness, and was subsequently taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“The suspect in this case is deceased. He was responsible for the deaths of three people and allegedly consumed poison following the incident. He was then transported to the hospital, where medical staff confirmed his death. His body, along with those of his victims, has been placed in the morgue.”
Hundeyin also mentioned that the investigation has been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
