The family of a young man named Toheeb Eniafe is now in mourning following his shooting at a petrol station owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in Obalende, located in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State.
According to information obtained by our correspondent, the tragic incident occurred late Wednesday, causing widespread fear among local residents.
Our correspondent, currently present at the scene, gathered from witnesses that Eniafe was waiting in line to purchase petrol when the shooting took place.
Reportedly, two individuals, suspected to be military personnel, attempted to bypass the queue and enter the station to purchase petrol, disregarding the orderly line of customers.
Our correspondent discovered that this action was strongly opposed by those waiting in the queue, many of whom had been waiting for hours.
Numerous eyewitnesses affirmed that Eniafe took the lead in the altercation, insisting that the men join the queue like everyone else.
The situation escalated into a physical altercation, leading to the tragic death of the young man when one of the men shot him before fleeing the scene.
Nigerians have been facing challenges purchasing fuel over the past few days. The scarcity has resulted in increased transport fares and long queues at various filling stations.
One resident, identified as Mr. Amos Ayo, claimed to have witnessed the incident and alleged that the individuals involved were officers from the Department of State Services, identifiable by their branded polo shirts.
Ayo recounted, “I saw them. They are DSS personnel. They arrived at the scene intending to buy fuel but refused to join the queue.
“This behavior is typical of them. Although it wasn’t yet Toheeb’s turn, he confronted them, urging them to either join the queue or conduct their purchase politely.
“One of them became agitated, striking Toheeb, who responded with words. Suddenly, gunshots rang out, and Toheeb collapsed to the ground.”
A woman, who claimed to be tidying up her alcoholic bitters stand near the station but opted not to disclose her name for safety concerns, informed our correspondent that she heard the gunshot around 9:30 p.m. and promptly fled the area.
She remarked, “I didn’t hesitate for a moment. I dashed away as swiftly as possible to avoid any stray bullets hitting me. However, I overheard from those present that it was two soldiers involved.
“They weren’t police officers. One of them fired the shot at the young man and then fled the scene. I heard they apprehended one, but he managed to escape later.”
Additionally, a young man who identified himself as Capo shared with PUNCH Online that he was acquainted with the deceased.
“This area, Obalende, is quite small. Everyone knows each other here. Toheeb resides in Dolphin Estate. He’s a Muslim. His burial was scheduled for today, but the police have taken his body to the morgue for investigation and possibly an autopsy,” he explained.
When questioned if he witnessed the incident, Capo responded, “Certainly, I was there. I witnessed it firsthand. We were the ones who chased the perpetrators, but one of them fired his gun into the air, causing people to scatter and enabling his escape.
“One of them hid under a bus, so we set it on fire. Despite that, he managed to flee. Initially, we thought they were policemen, but they were not. I can assure you of that. It’s devastating how they’ve taken the life of that young man for no reason.”
Another young man, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, also confirmed his presence at the scene.
“I was at Obalende, returning from work. I can confirm that the shooter wasn’t a policeman but a DSS officer who had come to buy fuel but was halted by Toheeb and his companions.
“They insisted he join the queue. As I gathered, he informed them that the manager was expecting him, but Toheeb and some others denied him entry.
“During the argument, some individuals in the vicinity brandished a broken bottle, seemingly ready to confront the officer, and that’s when the shots were fired, prompting them to flee,” he recounted.
He further added, “Two vehicles were set ablaze yesterday. I felt uneasy walking home that night as there were no buses. Everyone was on edge. Even the long queues dispersed, and the station closed.”
Despite attempts by our correspondent to contact the station’s branch manager for comment, staff members informed that he was unavailable, and no one was authorized to speak on his behalf.
However, a young employee, persuaded by our correspondent to share insights, disclosed that military personnel, veterans, and elderly individuals received preferential treatment during fuel purchases.
“During times of scarcity like this, we give priority to military personnel and similar individuals. This is something Nigerians should understand. Our manager was informed of their arrival and instructed us to open the gate for them, but the people in the queue were uncooperative,” he remarked.
Police confirm the shooting
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, verified the incident.
He confirmed the death of a young man, Toheeb Eniafe, and the burning of two vehicles. However, he stated that the identity of the shooters had not yet been determined as investigations were ongoing.
He stated, “I can confirm that an individual was fatally shot. I can confirm that the body has been placed in the morgue.
“Two vehicles were set ablaze. The identity of the shooter remains unknown, but investigations are underway to ascertain it. The deceased is identified as Toheeb Eniafe.”
Responding to the incident via a text message, DSS spokesman Peter Afunnaya refuted the involvement of any of its officers in the altercation.
He stated, “The assertion that a DSS officer shot Toheeb is false. Please conduct a thorough investigation to reveal the truth. Not a single DSS staff member was implicated in the incident.”
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