Grief has engulfed the Cele Nica community in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State following a fatal armed robbery attack on a barbershop that claimed the lives of two teenage customers.
The victims, identified as Chijindu and Akorede, were killed on Saturday night when armed men stormed a barbershop on Abengo Close in the community.
According to information gathered by our correspondent, three suspects invaded the premises around 9 pm and targeted occupants of the shop. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots shortly after the robbers entered, prompting residents to rush to the scene where they discovered the barber and both teenagers lying in pools of blood.
A community member, Duuni Olafeso, who spoke with our correspondent during a visit to the area on Tuesday, explained that the barber survived the assault while the two young men did not.
“Three men were involved in the operation. The barber, who is now receiving treatment at a hospital whose location has not been disclosed, said two of the suspects entered posing as customers before ordering everyone present to lie on the ground,” Olafeso recounted.
She continued, “After taking the barber’s money and phones, they demanded Chijindu’s belongings. He informed them he only had one thousand naira for his haircut. This response infuriated the third attacker stationed at the entrance, who instructed his accomplices to shoot them. The barber said all three were hit by bullets, but he survived by feigning death after being shot in the back.”
Akorede was pronounced dead at the scene, while emergency responders transported Chijindu and the barber to hospital.
Ugochukwu, who employed Chijindu as an apprentice in his solar panel installation business, told our correspondent they had returned from an out-of-state assignment that same morning.
“Chijindu worked with me as a trainee. We got back from a job on Saturday morning, and he went out that evening for a haircut. A neighbour ran to my house to inform me he had been shot,” Ugochukwu said.
“When I arrived at the location, I found him and the others surrounded by blood. I immediately went home for my vehicle and transported him to hospital. The shop owner took the barber for treatment as well. Medical staff did everything possible to save Chijindu, but he passed away around midnight.”
Ugochukwu described his apprentice as diligent and dependable, adding that he feels a profound sense of loss.
Another resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Chijindu had become his family’s primary provider following his father’s death when he was seven years old. Having recently turned 18, he had been using his earnings from solar installation work to support his mother and siblings. The resident disclosed that Chijindu’s mother has since relocated from the community, unable to cope with the tragedy.
Sources indicated that Akorede’s family members do not reside in Cele Nica, and police authorities removed his body from the scene. Chijindu was laid to rest on Monday.
During a visit to the location, our correspondent observed a somber atmosphere along Owolabi Street near Abengo Close, with the barbershop remaining closed.
Mrs Mefo, a local business owner, expressed frustration over ongoing security challenges in the neighbourhood, noting that residents frequently fall victim to phone theft during evening hours.
“Criminal elements regularly rob people of their mobile phones after dark. This community desperately needs enhanced security presence. The situation has deteriorated significantly, and this recent attack has intensified our fears. We are calling on law enforcement to increase surveillance in this area,” she stated.
Attempts to reach the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, were unsuccessful. Telephone calls went unanswered, and a text message sent to her remained without response at the time of publication.
This incident contributes to mounting anxiety over the increasing frequency of armed robberies and gang-related violence throughout Lagos suburbs, particularly in settlements such as Iyana Isashi, Iyana Iba, and other communities situated along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway corridor.
In September, media outlets reported that a man identified as Alex was fatally shot by unidentified gunmen in Iyana Isashi. A local resident, who requested anonymity due to security concerns, told reporters on Sunday that the victim was traveling to meet an acquaintance when two men on a motorcycle approached and shot him at point-blank range.
