A Muslim cleric, Sheik Yusuf Amzat-Salam, 35, his wife and four children were killed by hoodlums in the early hours of Tuesday in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the incident occurred in Atiba area of Odogbolu Local Government Area.
It was gathered that the couple’s eldest child, a girl, was aged 11, followed by her twin brothers, aged 8 and the last female child, aged 2.
All the victims have since been buried in accordance with Muslim rites amid wailing.
The attackers, whose motive could not be ascertained, butchered the entire household with machetes.
The victims were found dead when a school bus came to pick the children.
A close family friend, Mr. Yusuf Oludaisi, described the act as dastardly and wicked, wondering what the victims must have done to warrant such treatment.
“He was someone with whom I grew up together. I have known him for 30 years to be humble and kind to everyone who crossed his path.
“It’s really sad because this was someone you will never see quarrelling or being disrespectful,” said Oludaisi.
Younger brother of the victim, Alfa Ishaq Amzat-Salam, however, said he would leave the matter for God to judge.
“I leave those who perpetrated such evil in God’s hands, for He alone will judge them. The deed cannot be undone.
“I will always remember my brother forever for his loving kindness, as he was a shining light to us all,” said Ishaq.
Ex-Senator Gbenga Kaka (Ogun East), who was at the burial of the victims, described the incident as very sad.
“I am a close friend to the father of the victim and when I heard what happened, I was in bitter shock. It is unimaginable what these people did and it brings much sadness to my heart.
“I don’t even have the words to describe it,” Kaka said.
Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun, Bimbola Oyeyemi, said the command was aware of the incident.
“We are already doing all to investigate and apprehend the culprit,” he said.
Sympathisers described the cleric as a peace-loving, humble and caring individual.
