Residents of Abeokuta were thrown into panic on Wednesday night after Segun Akinlade, the brother of youth leader and political advocate Abidemi Akinlade Michael, narrowly escaped an armed ambush that left his vehicle riddled with bullets.
Eyewitnesses recounted a terrifying scene as masked gunmen opened sustained fire on Segun’s car along a quiet stretch of road, sending bystanders and residents fleeing for safety.
“It sounded like a war zone,” one shaken resident told our correspondent.
In a chilling twist, the attackers reportedly left behind a handwritten note containing a grave threat. The message warned that whenever they locate Abidemi Akinlade, his brother, or any member of their family, none would survive it this time.
This latest incident has intensified fears for the family’s safety, coming on the heels of a previous attack on Abidemi Michael’s residence in July 2023.
Family sources have expressed deep frustration and alarm over what they describe as continued inaction by law enforcement. They allege that despite submitting multiple petitions and obtaining court orders, there have been no visible protective measures implemented by security agencies to safeguard their lives.
Efforts to reach the police for comments on the incident were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Political observers suggest the attack may be connected to the Akinlade family’s outspoken involvement in demanding justice for the controversial death of Honourable Hassan Olajuwon, raising concerns of targeted political intimidation.
The violent ambush has renewed urgent calls from community leaders and civil society groups for immediate intervention by security agencies to prevent further bloodshed and restore public confidence in the state’s security architecture.