Ex-policeman dies by suicide after killing two family members

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin

A yet-to-be-identified retired police officer has allegedly died by suicide after killing three people, including two of his family members at Yovoyan community in the Badagry area of Lagos State.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the incident, reportedly linked to a long-standing land dispute. occurred in the early hours of Tuesday.

The deceased victims were identified as Richard Atideka and Latevi Atideka, both from the Yovoyan community and Muji Onilude from the neighbouring Gberefu community.

It was gathered that the deceased, alongside some unidentified assailants, while armed with weapons, stormed the premises of Richard and Levi at midnight, went into their rooms and shot them in the process.

A source in the community who craved anonymity said the ex-police officer perpetrated the act at about 2 am.

“The deceased visited the home of the family members around 2am, where he perpetuated the act. He was said to have shot Richard and Latevi with a gun before he escaped from the scene. “

Meanwhile, the ex-police officer in a separate attack was said to have proceeded to Onilude’s house, where he also shot him dead.

“Oluyide is not a member of the family, but he was also shot by the ex-officer shortly after killing his two family members.

Though, according to a report lodged at the police station, members of the community confirmed having heard sounds of gunshots at midnight.

“The cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained but there are claims that there had been some disagreement over a land belonging to the family. Although the said land is currently a court matter,” the source disclosed.

While confirming the incident on Wednesday, the Lagos State Police Command said the perpetrator went ahead to take his own life after committing the act.

The command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, told PUNCH Metro that the ex-police officer allegedly took a poisonous substance, became unconscious and was later rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

“The man who is the suspect in the incident is dead. He killed three people and allegedly took poison after committing the act. He was thereafter rushed to the hospital, where the doctor confirmed him dead. His corpse and those of those he killed have been deposited in the morgue.”

Hundeyin added that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.