Residents of the Cele Nica community in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State are reeling in shock and mourning after a brutal armed robbery attack at a local barbershop claimed the lives of two teenagers, identified simply as Chijindu and Akorede.
The tragic incident occurred around 9 p.m. on Saturday when a three-man gang invaded a barbershop on Abengo Close. Witnesses said the assailants, who initially posed as customers, suddenly pulled out firearms and ordered everyone inside to lie down before collecting cash, phones, and other valuables.
According to residents, panic spread through the area after multiple gunshots rang out. When neighbours rushed to the scene, they found the barber and two teenage customers lying in pools of blood.
A resident, Duuni Olafeso, recounted that one of the robbers became enraged when Chijindu explained that he only had ₦1,000 for his haircut. In a fit of anger, the robber reportedly instructed his accomplices to “waste them.”
All three victims were shot. While the barber survived by pretending to be dead, Akorede died instantly. Chijindu was rushed to the hospital alongside the barber but succumbed to his injuries around midnight despite efforts to save him.
Speaking with reporters, Chijindu’s employer, Ugochukwu, who installs solar panels, said they had just returned from a work trip earlier that day. “He went out in the evening to get a haircut. Not long after, I was called that he had been shot. We rushed him to the hospital, but he couldn’t make it,” he said tearfully, describing the teenager as diligent and respectful.
Relatives of Akorede, who reportedly lived outside the community, were later notified of his death as police recovered his body from the scene. Chijindu was buried on Monday amid emotional scenes.
When visited on Tuesday, the atmosphere around Owolabi Street was tense and sorrowful, with the barbershop still locked and residents demanding stronger security presence in the area to prevent further attacks.
[Daily Post]
