It was a heart-wrenching Friday in Epe as the community came together to bid farewell to 18-year-old Michael Olaifa, whose life was tragically cut short in an alleged attack by a member of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC).
EpeInsights reports that Michael’s burial on June 20 brought a wave of emotion that rippled through the town; tears, prayers and above all, an unwavering call for justice.
The tragedy, which first came to light on May 27, has left many stunned.
Eyewitnesses and family members say Michael was on his way home from Oke-Oyinbo around 11 p.m. when he was allegedly shot and hacked with a machete by a man known simply as Idowu, said to be affiliated with the OPC.
“He was my light, my joy, my strength,” said Mrs. Olaifa, Michael’s mother, speaking through tears.
“He did nothing wrong, he was just trying to get home.”
Her words echoed the grief and anger felt by many at the graveside, where Michael’s remains were released from the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) mortuary in Epe.
Friends, family and neighbors gathered to mourn a life taken far too soon.
During a court appearance, Mrs. Olaifa confronted the accused and asked a simple but searing question: Why?
“He said he doesn’t understand what happened and asked for forgiveness,” she recalled.
“But how do you forgive someone who took your child away without reason?”
The Lagos State Police confirmed the arrest of the suspect and charged him to court. At the Federal High Court in Lagos, the judge ordered that he be remanded in prison custody while the case proceeds.
But for the grieving family and the larger Epe community, the case is now about more than just Michael.
“This is about every young person who deserves to walk freely without fear,” said a family friend during the burial ceremony.
“Justice must be done, not just for Michael, but for every life at risk in the face of unchecked violence.”
Despite the enormity of her loss, Mrs. Olaifa is standing strong, bolstered by the love and support of those around her.
“I am grateful to everyone who has stood by me, prayed with me, and comforted me,” she said.
“It’s your love that’s helping me get through this.”
