A carpenter simply identified as Abila has been shot dead by suspected cultists on Rasaq Tijani Street in Ikotun, Lagos.
Abila, who was widely referred to as ‘Ewe’ was killed near his house. The cultists, who rode on three motorcycles, also attacked residents of Abaranje, Bakare in Ikotun and Igando around 7pm last Friday.
A resident, Sola, described Abila’s killing as a shocking as he was an easy-going, gentle and friendly individual.
“He was living with his guardian, who has been accommodating him since he came to Lagos,” he said.
According to a landlord the incidence was shocking. He said some elders in the area immediately reported the case to the Ikotun Police station on identifying the victim.
He said policemen were still arranging the removal of the corpse when they learnt that another person had been killed.
His words: “I was coming from work when I realised that everywhere was in chaos and people were running. When I got home, I went to Mosque and asked what happened and I was told a young guy on our street had been shot. When the situation calmed down, some elders gathered to identify who the victim was and we found it was Abila. They went to the police station to report the incident and some policemen followed them to our street in three vehicles. We were still on the matter when some people rushed down from Abaranje that someone has also been killed.”
Another landlord said: “Abila was a popular and friendly person. In fact, if you are going and you perhaps did not see him, he will draw your attention and greet you and that is why we are surprised he could be targeted by cultists.”
His body was taken away by the policemen but was returned after the deceased’s family members demanded for it. He was buried on Saturday.
Abila’s guardian, who is yet to recover from the shock said: “I was not at home when it happened as I only came back to learn of it. I’ve been in the hospital since then. There is nothing I can do because what has happened has happened. It’s not something to be remembered.”