Video: Seven Years After Surviving A Brutal Attack: The Pain, The Scars, And The Journey Continues
Adedokun Waliyu
2 min read
Today, June 5, 2026, marks seven years since I survived a violent and brutal attack in the Gbagada area of Lagos.
According to my recollection of events, the incident was recorded by the assailants and later posted on the OPC Bariga Facebook page with the caption: “The End of Prince Segun Akanni.”
Seven years later, the painful memories remain as fresh as ever.
It was a life-changing experience that nearly claimed my life and ultimately forced me to leave Nigeria.
Had I lost my life that day, today would have marked seven years of remembrance. My children would have grown up without a father, my wife would have become a widow, and my family would have been left with nothing but painful memories.
But God had other plans. It was not yet my time.
Prior to the attack, I received several threatening messages warning me to remain silent or face death. Even after leaving Nigeria, the threats did not cease. Petitions continued to emerge, and litigation followed litigation.
I also recall an encounter at the Abuja Airport just days before the Gbagada attack. An unidentified man allegedly confronted me and accused me of being sponsored to work against my former principal.
He said:
“We heard you were paid huge sums of money by Asiwaju, including houses in Lekki and Canada, to get rid of Oga. If I had my way, I would stone you to death right here.”
I was shocked by the statement and chose not to respond out of fear that the situation could escalate further. Although I considered raising an alarm and seeking intervention from security officials, I remained silent.
The attack and the continuous threats that followed eventually forced me to leave a country I deeply understand and love.
Sadly, the pain and memories remain difficult to forget. It is not yet Uhuru.
To this day, I still consider Nigeria unsafe for me and, potentially, for my family.
As I mark seven years since that traumatic experience, I remain grateful to God for preserving my life.
My journey continues, but so does my hope that one day justice, peace, and safety will prevail.
