One killed, vehicles vandalised as Mushin youths clash

Lagos Police PRO, Ngozi Braide

A 29-year-old man identified simply as Bode was killed after members of rival groups clashed in Mushin, Lagos State on Sunday and Monday.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Bode’s death was as a result of a reprisal on a youth, identified as Joseph Odebowale.

Our correspondent, who visited the scene of the clash at Adeyemi Street, Olosha, learnt that Odebowale, an 18-year-old boy, was beaten up by some youths on the street (Adeyemi) few weeks ago following an allegation of rape.

A resident, who craved anonymity, said, “A few weeks ago, Joseph (Odebowale) was accused of raping a young lady and some youths in Adeyemi Street then came after him and beat him up. On Sunday night Joseph brought some guys from Onipanu Tolgate to Adeyemi Street on a revenge mission.

“The gun-wielding youths shot sporadically into the air, making everybody to scamper to safety. They later spotted Bode and shot him. He died on the spot.”

It was learnt that the incident infuriated some people on Adeyemi Street and who went to Joseph’s house on Akodu Street but did not find him there.

The young men were said to have riddled the house with bullets and vandalised properties on the street, including vehicles.

When our correspondent visited the house on Monday, pieces of broken glasses littered the compound, while all the rooms in the building were locked.

A man living in the house, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, said all occupants had fled because they feared that the youth could come back.

He said, “On Sunday night, some youths came to avenge Bode’s death but instead of going to 7 Akodu Street, they went to 9 and vandalised vehicles and killed a dog which was barking.

“When we saw what was happening, everybody fled the house. On Monday morning, they came back to number 7 and started shooting at the house.

“When they got to Odebowale’s house, they saw his mother there and threatened to kill her but policemen arrived just in time.”

Our correspondent learnt that policemen attached to Alakara and Olosan divisions were able to disperse the youths.

It was also learnt that the policemen arrested Odebowale’s landlord, Gbolahan Olowu,

Meanwhile, Bode has been buried at Atan Cemetery, Yaba.

Our correspondent, who was present at the burial on Monday, reported that the youth vowed to avenge Bode’s death.

One of them, who wept profusely and held Bode’s blood-stained shirt, said, “When I saw you on Sunday night, I didn’t know that was the last time I would see you. I swear that those responsible for your death will be dealt with.”

But residents of Akodu Street have asked the police to intensify security in the area.

When contacted on the telephone, the spokesperson for the state command, Ngozi Braide, said she would get back to our correspondent.