Kola olootu
by Elijah AdebolarinTRAGIC LAND DISPUTE: Attempted Assassination and Arson Linked to Valuable Coal Deposits in Ogun State
By our correspondent — Lagos, Nigeria
Ogun State, Nigeria — September 7, 2020
What began as a land dispute over coal-rich property has turned into a tragedy involving attempted murder, arson, and multiple deaths, in a shocking event that has raised serious questions about land-related violence and the failure of law enforcement.
Mr. Kareem Adebolarin, a respected landowner in Ogun State, owned an acre of land—three plots of which were discovered to contain valuable coal deposits. According to reports, a former friend of Mr. Adebolarin, who worked in government, persistently tried to convince him to sell the property. Mr. Adebolarin declined, stating the proposed deal would bring him no benefit. Tensions mounted as the friend allegedly continued to pressure him.
The situation escalated dangerously when Mr. Adebolarin was ambushed by gunmen while returning from an outing. Though he initially mistook them for ordinary roadblock operators, it became clear he was the target. Multiple shots were fired at his vehicle, causing extensive damage. Miraculously, he escaped unharmed. He reported the incident to law enforcement, but no action was taken.
Concerned for his safety and the future of his property, Mr. Adebolarin handed over all documents relating to his land and assets to his son, a Lagos-based Christian cleric serving as a shepherd in the ministry. The following day, he took his son on a detailed tour of the land to ensure he understood its boundaries and importance.
Tragedy struck shortly after the son returned to Lagos.
On the evening of September 7, 2020, Mr. Adebolarin returned home from evening prayers at the mosque and noticed signs of a break-in. He called his son, urging him to come at once. Upon his arrival, the son found Mr. Adebolarin entertaining three visitors in the sitting room, while he conversed privately with his younger brother, Saheed, in another room.
Suddenly, unknown men arrived at the door, claiming to be looking for Mr. Adebolarin. When he opened the door, he was overpowered, tied to a chair, and doused in petrol. The attackers threatened to kill him and burn down the house unless he surrendered the land documents.
In a brave but tragic turn of events, Mr. Adebolarin revealed that the documents were in his son’s possession in Lagos. This bought his son just enough time to escape through a back window. Unfortunately, his younger brother, Saheed, was shot and killed while trying to flee.
Witnesses say the attackers executed the three visitors and set the house ablaze. The son, who observed the events from a hidden spot in the compound, managed to escape and later fled the country, eventually traveling to Libya in search of safety and a fresh start.
The incident highlights the deadly intersections of corruption, greed, and lawlessness that continue to endanger lives across Nigeria, especially in cases involving resource-rich land. No arrests have been made as of the time of this report.
