Voice Air Media, VAM News Update
A bereaved family mourns the loss of Toheeb Eniasa, following a fatal shooting at a petrol station owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in Obalende, situated in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State.
Wednesday night marked the tragic incident that has instilled fear within the residents of the vicinity.
Reports reveal that Eniasa was waiting in line to obtain fuel when the unfortunate event occurred.
As he stood in line, two individuals, suspected to be military personnel, attempted to bypass the queue and directly access the station for fuel purchase.
This act was met with strong opposition from the waiting individuals who had spent hours in line.
Multiple witnesses affirmed that Eniasa took the lead in confronting the individuals, urging them to wait their turn like everyone else.
This confrontation escalated into a physical altercation, culminating in the tragic death of the young man after one of the perpetrators shot him and fled the scene.
In recent days, Nigerians have faced challenges in procuring fuel, leading to increased transportation costs and long queues at fuel stations.
An eyewitness, Mr. Amos Ayo, who claims to have observed the incident, alleged that the individuals involved were from the Department of State Services (DSS), identifiable by their branded polo shirts.
Ayo recounted, “I witnessed the event. These men are from the DSS. They arrived to purchase fuel but refused to adhere to the queue.
“This behavior is not new. It wasn’t Toheeb’s turn yet, but he stood up to them, insisting they follow the queue or conduct themselves courteously during the purchase.
“One of them acted impetuously, striking Toheeb, who responded with words. In a flash, gunshots rang out, and Toheeb collapsed.”
A woman operating a nearby alcoholic bitters stand, who chose not to disclose her name for security reasons, recounted hearing the gunshot around 9:30 p.m. and promptly fleeing the vicinity.
She narrated, “I didn’t wait to witness the unfolding events. I fled immediately to avoid any stray bullets. However, based on eyewitness accounts, it was two soldiers.
“They weren’t policemen. One of them shot the young man and escaped. I heard they caught one but he managed to elude capture in the end.”
Another individual, Capo, disclosed to PUNCH Online that he was acquainted with the deceased.
“Obalende is a close-knit community. Toheeb resides in Dolphin Estate. He is of the Muslim faith. His burial was scheduled for today, but his body has been taken by the police for investigation and possibly autopsy,” he stated.
When asked if he was present during the tragic event, Capo confirmed, “I was there. I saw it unfold firsthand. We attempted to apprehend the perpetrators, but one fired his gun into the air, dispersing the crowd. That enabled his escape.
“One of them hid beneath a bus, which we set ablaze. He too evaded capture. Initially, we mistook them for policemen, but they weren’t. I can assure you of that. It’s disheartening how casually they took the life of that young man.”
A Terrifying Encounter
Speaking on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, another individual disclosed his presence at the scene.
“I was at Obalende, returning from work. The perpetrator was not a policeman but a DSS official looking to purchase fuel but was halted by Toheeb and his companions.
“They insisted he join the queue. According to what I gathered, the official claimed the manager was expecting him, but Toheeb and others refused his entry.
“During the altercation, some individuals brandished a broken bottle, poised to attack. That’s when the shots rang out, prompting the perpetrators to flee,” he recounted.
Highlighting the chaos, he added, “Two vehicles were set ablaze yesterday. The walk back home that night was nerve-wracking due to the absence of buses. Fear gripped everyone, dispersing the lengthy queue as the station shut its doors.”
Despite attempts, our correspondent was unsuccessful in reaching the station’s branch manager for comments, as the available staff claimed he was unavailable and without authorization to speak on his behalf.
However, a young staff member, swayed into conversation by our correspondent, mentioned that military personnel, veterans, and the elderly received priority treatment during fuel purchases.
He explained, “During times of scarcity like this, we prioritize military personnel and the like. It’s important for Nigerians to understand. Our manager was aware of their arrival and instructed us to grant them access, yet the queued individuals were uncooperative,” he elaborated.
Police React
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident.
He acknowledged the shooting of Toheeb Eniasa and the torching of two vehicles. The identities of the perpetrators remain undisclosed as investigations continue.
He stated, “Indeed, an individual was fatally shot, and the body has been moved to the morgue.
“Two vehicles were set on fire. The shooter’s identity remains unknown, but investigations are ongoing to unveil the truth. The deceased is Toheeb Eniasa.”
In response to the incident, DSS spokesperson Peter Afunnaya refuted suggestions that their officers were involved in the incident.
He clarified, “The claim that a DSS official shot Toheeb is false. Further investigation is necessary to uncover the facts. No DSS staff played a role in this matter.”
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