Mother Mourns as Teargas Claims the Life of Her Only Child in Demolition

By Ugbede James

Kuburat Adeniji’s world shattered when teargas, thrown during a demolition operation in the Otto community of Lagos Mainland, took the life of her only son, Gafar Wahab Adeniji, a 24-year-old serving Youth Corp member.

Recalling the tragic events of March 22, Kuburat, who was attending to her shop at the time, rushed home upon hearing the commotion of the demolition.

As she entered their residence, she found Gafar struggling for breath amidst the choking clouds of teargas. Despite desperate attempts to save him, Gafar’s health rapidly declined.

In an interview, Kuburat recounted Gafar’s journey—a recent graduate, serving in Ogun State before his transfer to Lagos due to illness.

She tearfully attributed his deteriorating health and death to the teargas he inhaled during the demolition exercise.

The Community leader, Mr. Musbau Agbodemu alleged that the demolition, conducted without notice and under police supervision, violated a court order. He voiced concerns about the ongoing threats faced by the community, echoing past incidents of violence.

Despite efforts to reach out to the police spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, for comment, Kuburat and the community continue to grapple with unanswered questions and a profound sense of injustice.

As Kuburat mourns the loss of her only child, she demands accountability and reform in law enforcement practices, hoping to prevent similar tragedies from befalling other families. Gafar’s memory lives on as a poignant reminder of the human cost of negligence and injustice.