The death toll from the August 27 police shooting at the Owode Onírin Spare Parts Market in Lagos has risen to six, as affected families continue to demand justice.

Recall that four Mobile Policemen led by one Abiodun Hakeem Ariori stormed the market in gangster style and engaged in a shooting spree, which left four traders dead on the spot.

The former spokesperson for the state police command, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest of the involved officers and declared Ariori wanted, who later surrendered to the police.

The tragedy deepened when two more traders succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Aderemi Adeoye, the latest victim, died on September 1 after surgery and days on life support. In total, six traders were killed: Seyi Akinboye, Taiwo Adeoye, Dare Mufutau, Abraham Temilola, Wale Adebayo, and Aderemi Adeoye.

At a press conference in Lagos organised by the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, grieving relatives recounted the final moments of their loved ones, with Adeoye’s mother expressing how the loss of her first son devastated her.

“One of his brothers called me to say that my son was in the hospital. They said he had been shot while at his shop. When I got there the following morning, I saw him on oxygen after surgery.

“He remained there until September 1, when he was confirmed dead. He was my first son. His wife had just given birth to a baby. The baby is less than seven months old. I laboured over him, her son, for years.

They took him away from me. How do I care for his wife and child now? ”

Abiodun Temilola, representing the Idowu family, stated that Idowu died in transit after doctors at Ikorodu General Hospital failed to remove a lodged bullet.