One dies in land grab protest in Ikorodu, Lagos

A commercial motorcyclist (aka Okada rider) was killed when a protest over the forceful takeover of a farmland in Isiu near Ikorodu, Lagos, turned bloody last Friday.

The Okada man was reportedly shot dead by some gun-wielding people described as “land grabbers” who stormed the Ikorodu garage venue of the protest.

His body has been deposited at the Ikorodu General Hospital morgue. The whereabouts of another protester, Kabiru Ayanniyi, is said to be unknown.

Shops and other business concerns in the community have been shut down out of fear.

The community has sought Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s intervention for peace to reign there.

Last Friday, the community gathered at the garage to protest against the “land grabbers”, who were alleged to have been invited to the town.

According to eye witnesses, during the protest, they suddenly heard gun shots as the “land grabbers” stormed the venue and disrupted the protest.

A resident, Jelili Hassan, who was allegedly shot on the leg and macheted on the hand, was rushed to a nearby hospital.

Rapid Response Squad (RRS) officers from Sagamu Road Police Station, who were on patrol of the area, were said to have arrested a man with firearms.

The suspect is being detained at Area N Police Command at Ijede near Ikorodu.

It was gathered that last Wednesday, mobile policemen invaded the town and arrested some members of the families who own land in Ori-Okuta and took them to Alagbon Police Station. Those arrested were arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court,  which ordered them remanded in prison custody, pending the determination of their bail applications.

In anger, some residents were said to have invited RRS from Sagamu Road Police Station and taken them to Ajerogun area of Isiu, the “land grabbers” hideout.

Five of the “land grabbers” were arrested and 15 motorcycles seized.

The Nation