Tears, pain, and unanswered questions trail the brutal killing of 17-year-old Michael Olaifa at Idi Aba Junction, Paramount Ita Opo, Epe, allegedly by a member of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), identified as Boda Idowu.
The victim’s mother, Mrs. Seyi Olaifa, spoke in deep anguish, rejecting any attempt at consolation and demanding justice for her son, who she described as innocent and full of promise.
“I don’t want money or condolence messages, I want justice for my son,” she cried. “He was not a cultist, he was not a thief, he had no issue with anybody. What did my child do to deserve such a painful death?”
Mrs. Olaifa explained she was at the hospital attending to her daughter who was in labour when her friend, accompanied by her son’s friend and younger brother, rushed in with devastating news.
“When I saw them, my heart dropped. I asked what was wrong, and they told me Boda Idowu had shot Michael. I was confused, asking why. They said he did absolutely nothing.”
Eyewitnesses said Michael and his friend had gone to Oke Oyinbo that night to sell ram ropes to Hausa traders. Around 10:00p.m., while returning, a gunshot was heard.
“Michael’s friend said he heard a gunshot and turned to see Michael on the ground,” the mother recounted. “He saw Boda Idowu with a gun and ran to call for help.”
On returning, they found the alleged OPC member using a cutlass to disembowel Michael while he was still alive and crying for help.
“Michael was shouting, ‘Boda Idowu, what have I done to you? I am not a cultist. I am not a thief. Why are you doing this to me?’” the friend recounted.
The boy was rushed to the hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries.
Mrs. Olaifa disclosed that Boda Idowu fled with his family after the incident, but later appeared at the police station claiming Michael was trying to rob the Zenith Bank in Epe, a claim she and other residents have firmly denied.
“The place it happened is in front of his house, not Zenith Bank,” a witness said
Community members, neighbors, and schoolmates described Michael as respectful, peaceful, and responsible. Many called for the suspect to be brought to justice.
“He butchered my son like a goat,” Mrs. Olaifa sobbed. “He opened his stomach with a cutlass. What kind of heart does he have? Let him come out and explain what my son did to deserve this. I will not rest until justice is done.”
