Six Lagos Market Vendors Laid to Rest Amidst Mourning and Fresh Demands for Accountability

In a somber ceremony, six traders who lost their lives in the Owode Onirin International Motor Spare Parts Market in Owode, Ketu, Lagos State, were buried in the Ikorodu area of the state, bringing a sense of closure to their grieving families. The traders, who were slain on August 27, 2025, were remembered as innocent victims of a fatal police shooting that sparked widespread outrage.

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Their deaths, which occurred during a controversial takeover of a section of the market, have become a rallying cry for demands of accountability, with the public continuing to express anger and frustration over the incident.

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The burial rites commenced at Ikorodu General Hospital, where relatives of the deceased gathered to receive the remains of their loved ones, still reeling from the tragedy that unfolded during a violent clash triggered by the demolition of shops within the market.

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Eyewitnesses recounted the events of that fateful day, describing how resistance by traders quickly escalated into gunfire, resulting in the deaths of six men, identified as Seyi Akinboye, Adeoye Taiwo, Dare Mufutau, Aderemi Hakeem, Abraham Temoola, and Wale Adebayo.

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At the burial, emotions ran high as relatives eulogized the victims, describing them as hardworking men who were the primary breadwinners for their families, with many calling for justice to be served in full.

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A mourner summed up the sentiment of the crowd, saying, “These were innocent men trying to earn a living, and their killers must be held accountable,” reflecting the widespread desire for accountability.

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Four police officers, Manu Bala, Jibrin Samaila, Ibrahim Garuba, and Ibrahim Kashimu, have been charged with conspiracy and murder in connection with the incident and remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.

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Despite these developments, the families of the victims expressed dissatisfaction, alleging that the individual believed to have masterminded the operation has yet to face prosecution, and urged the government to ensure that no one involved escapes justice.

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Human rights organizations have also weighed in on the matter, condemning the killings and calling for an independent investigation, as well as adequate compensation for the bereaved families.

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The victims were finally laid to rest in Igbogbo, leaving behind widows, children, and a community still grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy.

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Abiodun Ahmed, Chairman of the market, reaffirmed the traders’ commitment to pursuing justice, pledging that the incident would not be forgotten until all responsible parties are held to account.