Lagos, Nigeria- Unidentified gunmen have killed Oluwatosin Onamade, a chairmanship aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State. The attack occurred on Saturday night in Ijede, Ikorodu, near his residence.
According to reports, Onamade, who was contesting for the chairmanship position of the Ijede Local Council Development Area (LCDA), was ambushed by two assailants dressed in black.
His brother, Femi Onamade, described the incident as a targeted attack.
“It happened around 9 p.m. on Saturday. There were two gunmen, both dressed in black. No one could recognize them,” Femi said.
Onamade’s aide, who was present at the scene, fled after hearing gunshots. Witnesses reported that after shooting him, the attackers used machetes to strike his head and face.
“They shot him, but when the bullets didn’t penetrate immediately, they used machetes on his head and face,” Femi added.
Femi believes his brother was targeted because of his strong political chances in the upcoming election. He also recalled that a previous assassination attempt was made on Onamade in 2021.
“An attack was carried out on him in 2021, and some of the suspects from that case are still in prison. However, judgment has not been given yet,” he stated.
The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the incident. Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the culprits.
The killing has raised concerns over political violence in the lead-up to local government elections in Lagos.
