By Peter Dansu There is growing disquiet in Badagry following the disappearance of a young man identified as Martins Aluko, who was alleged...
By Peter Dansu
There is growing disquiet in Badagry following the disappearance of a young man identified as Martins Aluko, who was allegedly swept into the river while returning from Benin Republic with a colleague after loading bags of rice onto a boat.
Badagry Today gathered from a concerned resident who spoke on condition of anonymity that the incident occurred on Wednesday during the return journey from Benin Republic to Badagry.
According to the source, Aluko, a resident of the Topo Garage area around Badagry Central Mosque, was reportedly on the boat with a colleague when the incident occurred.
The colleague was said to have returned to Badagry on Thursday morning with the boat and the bags of rice but allegedly failed to give a clear account of what happened to Aluko.
The source said this has raised questions among residents, with some people expressing suspicion over the circumstances surrounding the young man's disappearance.
He said some residents alleged that Aluko may have been pushed into the river because he was reportedly unable to swim, although the claim has not been independently verified.
He said, "They went to Benin to load rice in the boat. On their way back, the incident occurred and the truth has not been established. His colleague came back to Badagry on Thursday morning with the boat and the full load of rice, but did not wait to properly explain what happened."
The incident reportedly triggered tension between some Badagry youths and boat workers on Thursday morning, with fears that the situation could escalate into a confrontation.
The source said the police intervened and the situation was brought under control.
He further claimed that the Divisional Police Officer visited the area following the incident to help calm the situation and prevent a breakdown of peace.
As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of Martins Aluko remain unknown, while the circumstances surrounding his disappearance have yet to be officially established.
Badagry Today understands that residents are awaiting further developments and clarification from the relevant authorities as efforts to unravel what happened continue.
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