A man, Adekunle Ojomu, is currently fighting for his life in a hospital after his neighbour, Abbey Adekanbi, allegedly attacked him with a machete in the Araro, Adamo area of Ikorodu, Lagos State. The incident occurred on May 13, 2023, when Ojomu approached Adekanbi to resolve an issue involving the latter's wife.
Details of the Attack
According to Ojomu, Adekanbi invited him to his residence on Kerewa Street, which is located three houses away from his own home. The victim has since been receiving treatment for injuries sustained on his head, hands and back during the attack. Adekanbi was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Tactical Squad of the Lagos State Police Command in Araro, Ikorodu. However, findings revealed that there had been pressure from some quarters for the suspect to be released and the matter settled within the community.
Relationship with the Suspect
Speaking on the incident, Ojomu said he had never had any personal issue with Adekanbi, but suspected tension may have arisen from his relationship with the suspect's younger brother, to whom he had gifted a piece of land. According to the victim, his wife sells frozen foods and his children usually buy fish from her. He always paid whenever he returned home and never owed her money to the extent that she would accuse him of insulting her. He was surprised when Adekanbi told people that he owed his wife and spoke to her rudely.
Recounting the Day
Recounting the events of the day, Ojomu said Adekanbi was on his motorcycle and he tried to get his attention, but Adekanbi insisted he should come to his house so they could talk. When he got there, he explained that his wife had always been helpful to his children whenever he wasn't around and that he had no reason to insult her. Adekanbi then asked if he was insane, and he responded by asking if he was crazy too. He asked whether the issue was bigger than what Adekanbi alleged, and Adekanbi became angrier, went inside his room and returned with a cutlass.
The Attack Unfolds
Ojomu said he initially did not take the threat seriously. Adekanbi macheted him and some women tried to intervene, but they later stepped aside as he continued attacking him. He fell while trying to escape because of the pain. While he was groaning and attempting to flee, Adekanbi came back with a saw and started striking his head with it. He used his hands to shield his head and Adekanbi slashed his hands. He eventually ran into a police station and was taken to the hospital.
Possible Source of Dispute
Speaking further on the possible source of the dispute, Ojomu explained that Adekanbi's younger brother, Tosin, had attempted to sell a half-plot of land he had gifted him. He insisted that the land was meant for him to build on for the sake of his children and not to sell. Tosin also claimed that Abbey had been threatening him and did not want him living close by. Both brothers live in different parts of the community, with Tosin residing in Kerewa and Abbey living in Baba Alata.
Community Involvement
The Baale, who should have intervened, blamed him for visiting Adekanbi at home and asked him to withdraw the case from the police and attend a community meeting. Ojomu said all he wants is justice. When contacted, the Baale of Mojoda, Adebola Kazeem, said his role was limited to mediation. He invited both parties in the presence of the police and appealed for settlement, but the victim insisted on N5 million compensation. He said he would not be part of that and only wanted peace. After the matter is resolved, the perpetrator must present his land documents to him for verification. They want to know how he came into the community because his behaviour is barbaric.
