Tragedy struck the community of Alakuko, Lagos State on the night of 10 April 2018 as the home of Chief Augustine Jaiyeola Emiola, popularly known as AJYERS, was attacked by unknown gunmen. This heart-wrenching event sparked outcry among the residents as they mourned the loss of the gateman who was killed on site.
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Chief Emiola, a community leader and a candidate for the Lagos State west senatorial seat on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), had been preparing for the party primaries. On the fateful day, he had meetings with his political loyalists after attending a campaign in Adegbola Junction in Alakuko, where he spoke about his plans and how he planned to investigate the incumbent Senator Adeola Solomon of the All Progressive Congress (APC) if elected.

The event had attracted a mammoth crowd from artisans, market women and men, teachers, and well-wishers.

Eyewitnesses reported that around 10:39 pm, the first gunshot was heard, followed by multiple gunshots that informed them of the serious attack going on in the residence of the Emiolas.

One of the witnesses, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted how he heard the gunshot and a loud cry, immediately raising an alarm and calling other neighbors for rescue. It was later discovered that the attackers had gained access to the house and shot the building’s gateman, whose name was Nathaniel Adeshina.

The police arrived at the scene at about 11:27 pm after vigilante groups in the neighbourhood had started blowing their whistles and people were shouting “ole” (the Yoruba word for thieves and criminals).
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Upon gaining entry to the compound, the police discovered that the gateman had already been killed. They proceeded to the living room of the politician and discovered that both Chief Emiola and his wife, Nurat, had been shot. While Chief Emiola was shot in the leg, his wife was shot in her abdominal region. Both victims were still alive though and were rushed to a nearby hospital by the police.

Despite the efforts of medical professionals, the news of Mrs. Emiola’s death on 6 August 2018, rocked the community and sparked unrests. She had survived the gunshot attack, but unfortunately, she died on that fateful Monday due to complications she suffered.

An official of the PDP, who spoke to The Guardian on condition of anonymity, alleged that Chief Emiola had mentioned a member of the APC and a member of the House of Representatives as possible suspects responsible for the attack. However, it is still unclear who the perpetrators were, and no arrests have been made.

The death of Mrs. Emiola and the gateman, Mr Adeshina, was a painful reminder of the insecurity and violence that has plagued many communities in Nigeria. The people of Alakuko mourned her passing and called on the government to do more to protect its citizens.

When The Guardian reached out to the Lagos State Police Command PPRO, Chike Oti, on any update regarding the case, the chief superintendent of police informed our correspondent that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on the orders of the Commissioner of Police Edgar Imohimi.

On the allegations that the April attack was politically motivated, CSP Oti said officers of the SCID are investigating all possible angles. He also assured that all efforts are being made to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crime are brought to book.
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