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Nigeria’s 2023 Polls: 2 Killed, Man Escapes Death, Many Injured in Lagos Political Clash

Published

3 years ago

April 30, 2023

By Soji Adebayo, Lagos

As Nigeria concluded its 2023 general elections, hopes for a peaceful democratic process were once again overshadowed by rising insecurity and politically motivated violence. The failure of authorities to ensure accountability for past election-related abuses and to curb the growing wave of thuggery has continued to threaten citizens’ right to vote without fear or intimidation.

One of the most tragic incidents during the polls occurred in the Agege area of Lagos State, where two people lost their lives, several others sustained injuries, and one man narrowly escaped death.

The victims, Mr. and Mrs. Salami, were the parents of Mr. Salami Yusuf Olatunji — a staunch advocate for good governance and an active member of an opposition political party in Lagos.

Eyewitnesses who spoke with The Gleamer News revealed that trouble began shortly after a political gathering turned chaotic. What initially started as a heated argument between rival supporters quickly degenerated into a violent clash involving suspected political thugs armed with dangerous weapons.

Within minutes, the scene was thrown into confusion as residents and passersby ran for safety while the violence spread rapidly across the area.

Tragically, Mr. and Mrs. Salami, who had come to support their son’s campaign activities, were caught in the crossfire and killed. Their son, Mr. Yusuf Olatunji, was not spared either. He sustained severe injuries — including a broken leg and head wounds — but managed to escape with his life. He was later rushed to a nearby hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.

Speaking from his hospital bed, a grief-stricken Olatunji described the incident as a nightmare that would haunt him forever. “My parents believed in a better Nigeria and supported my passion for change. I never imagined they would pay the ultimate price for it,” he said tearfully.

Residents of the community have condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as a sad reminder of the dark days of political thuggery in Lagos. Many expressed frustration over the recurring cycle of election-related violence that often goes unpunished.

“This is exactly what we have been warning against,” said one community leader. “Politicians must stop arming thugs to intimidate opponents. We cannot continue to lose innocent lives every election season.”

Observers say the Lagos tragedy reflects a broader national pattern of political intolerance and insecurity that has cast a shadow over Nigeria’s electoral process. Rights groups have repeatedly called on the government to strengthen security, enforce electoral laws, and ensure justice for victims of political violence.

As the 2023 elections came to a close, incidents like the Agege attack underscore the urgent need for authorities to prioritize citizens’ safety and uphold the integrity of the democratic process. Without accountability and reform, Nigeria risks allowing the cycle of bloodshed and impunity to define its elections once again.

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Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows

Published

1 day ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.

He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.

According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.

“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.

The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.

“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.

Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.

He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.

He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.

According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.

Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.

He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.

We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.

The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.

He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.

Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.

He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.

“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”

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