By Gbenga Abulude (Politics and General Desk)
Some Nigerians and the mother of a slain 20-year-old TV reporter, Mr Pelumi Onifade, who was allegedly killed while on duty, are demanding for justice.
The mother of the Gboah TV Reporter, Mrs Bose Onifade, who has been grieving over the sudden loss of her son 2 weeks ago, has called out the Nigeria Police Force who allegedly killed her son while covering a story about a looted warehouse where COVID-19 palliatives were stored in Agege/Gegetu area of Agege LGA of Lagos.
According to the media company, Gboah TV, Onifade was reportedly arrested by the Lagos State Task Force at the Ministry of Agriculture, Abbattoir, Agege.
It was gathered that the 20 year-old journalist was in the midst of a crowd, and was interviewing a resident when policemen invaded the area based on information that hoodlums were about to break into the warehouse to loot the palliatives and thereafter burn down the Abattoir Police Division.
The policemen shot into the air and there was a stampede and Onifade reportedly got injured while trying to flee the scene.
Eye witness account say Onifade was arrested by the Police and taken away in their vehicle even when his colleague told the policemen that he was a journalist doing his job.
After the case was reported to the nearby Police Station by his company, a four-day search was made across different police stations and prisons in the state between October 24 and 27 but unfortunately Onifade was not found among those arrested in police custody.
After much effort, his corpse was reportedly found at Ikorodu mortuary on October 29.
A statement by his company reads: “It has been confirmed that the Gboah TV staff ‘Onifade Pelumi’, arrested by the Lagos State Task Force at the Ministry of Agriculture, Abbattoir, Agege is dead!
“The Police are currently investigating the matter and have assured the management, the family and community that the investigation will be thorough and swift.
“Onifade Pelumi died while covering the scenes at the site of the palliative storage center. He will be deeply missed!
“Further details will be released upon completion of the Investigation by Police Force’.
However, Nigerians via various social media channels especially Twitter have called for justice, saying Pelumi Onifade’s murder should not be swept under the carpet like others crimes allegedly committed by the men of the Police Force.
How Twitter Commentators Reacted
@ebelee posted on Twitter.
Pelumi Onifade was murdered by the Lagos state task & police force ! Abiodun Bolarinwa, a Lagos politician who was caught on camera by Pelumi, shot at & killed people at Abule Egba, is still roaming free. Pelumi MUST get justice & Abiodun MUST be brought to book #JusticeforPelumi
#JusticeForPelumi with the account @Las2boyT posted:
Pelumi could be the next liberator of this nation but was killed by the state. We demand #JusticeforPelumi @tasuedsu @aproko_doctor @TopeAkinyode @InibeheEffiong @AmnestyNigeria @_AfricanUnion @UN @Ecowas_cdc
@Baldilocks__ also posted:
A guy shoots at protesters cos they refused to allow him address them. Another guy records him. The shooter is still walking free while the guy who recorded the crime got arrested and ended up dead in custody. Nigeria is one dark twisted dystopian society. RIP Pelumi Onifade.
