Lagos Market Massacre: 7 Dead in Police, Land Grabber Clash — A Tragic Night at Owode-Onirin Market

In a violent flare-up that rocked Lagos State, Owode-Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market witnessed shattered windshields, smashed headlights, and dented vehicles as chaos unfolded late Tuesday into Wednesday. The violence left seven people dead and more injured, with property losses running into millions of naira.

What happened

• Broken vehicles and extended damage: The market grounds were littered with broken windshields, headlights, and dented frames. Initial estimates put the number of destroyed vehicles at over 50.
• Loss of life: Seven people were reportedly killed during the incident, with police and local sources pointing to a deadly confrontation between security forces and suspected land grabbers led by a man identified as Abiodun.
• Attack mechanics: Traders described thugs armed with guns and cutlasses storming the market, followed by a police response that allegedly intensified the casualties.
• Witness accounts: Traders and bystanders described chaos as police and armed assailants fired on crowds; several vehicles and people were caught in the crossfire.
• Early casualty updates: Ikorodu General Hospital confirmed multiple victims arriving for treatment; hospital sources indicated four bodies were deposited in the mortuary, with one more casualty later reported among those operated on.

Key players and claims

• Land dispute and leadership: The Owode-Onirin market has long been entangled in a land ownership dispute. Market leader Abiodun Ahmed attributes the violence to land grabbers allegedly backed by the Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and claims the police were involved in the attack on the market.
• Police involvement: The incident has raised questions about the role of security forces. The Lagos State Police Command did not immediately confirm all casualty figures, while the Inspector General of Police ordered a thorough investigation. Some officials suggested that three policemen were involved and later transferred to Abuja for further inquiry.
• Council response: Adetola Abubakar, Chairperson of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, distanced the council from the violence, stating that the dispute was primarily between the Olowo family (creditors) and the Owode people. She claimed Abiodun acted as an agent for the Olowo family and not as a council representative.

background to the dispute

• The Owode land area spans approximately 26.663 hectares, with a 2024 Certificate of Occupancy issued to the local government., The Olowo family has claimed 4.408 hectares since 1994, with a judgment in 1998 that has been difficult to enforce..In March 2024, following a series of confrontations and mediation efforts, talks aimed at delineating boundaries and settlements resulted in proposals to allocate 40% of the land for market resettlement. The Owode people reportedly rejected this arrangement, insisting on relocation letters from the Jakande era as proof of entitlement..The Lagos governor directed mediation by the Attorney General, with ongoing discussions through April and May, but tensions persisted.

Official responses and ongoing inquiries

• The Force and Lagos State Command have pledged fairness and transparency while the investigation continues..The IG has ordered a comprehensive probe, with the Force Criminal Investigation Department handling the case..The Nasarawa State Police Public Relations Officer stated that his command was uncertain about the involvement, directing inquiries to the Lagos command.

Related context

• The violence is part of a broader pattern of land-related disputes in  Lagos, where ownership and access to market land can lead to deadly confrontations.
• Continued coverage is expected as authorities pursue accountability and a path to peace for displaced traders.