The friends and relatives of Sarah Ibikunke, the 15-year-old girl, who was shot dead by a gang of robbers recently in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State, gathered yesterday, to give their last respect at Ikoyi Cementry.
Sympathisers who spoke with the Punch at the burial described the teenager who had longed to be a Lawyer as obedient and conscientious.
The teenager was killed alongside three policemen by the robbers, said to be in military uniforms,on March 12 during a raid at First Monument Bank Limited on Admiralty Way.
The Yaba mortuary that initially requested a sum of N100,000 for embalming and burial arrangement but had the corpse released because the family could not afford the money. It was however reported that a pastor had earlier donated the N 100,000 to help the family of the deceased.
Sarah’s class teacher in Itedo Primary School, Mr. Adebayo Moses, described her as a brilliant and well-behaved pupil.
He said, “She was quite brilliant; not troublesome, accommodating and friendly. Her death is very painful.”
The school’s matron, Mrs. Dorcas Ogundare, said Sarah’s character attracted love to her from all staff members.
“The last day she was in school, she came a bit late and I joked with her that she would wash toilets. She just smiled and I told her to rush to the class. She was a child to all of us and had a bright future,” she said.
The victim’s schoolmate, Inidara Friday, said he was astonished by her attitude a day before the incident.
“She was gentle. She did not play around like other pupils. But that day, she played a lot with her friends. I was surprised to see her in such mood; may her soul rest in peace.” he said.
Sarah’s aunt Mrs. Omolafe, appreciated those who stood by the family while they grieved.
In her words, “The following day it was published that we needed N100,000 to collect Sarah’s corpse, a pastor came and gave us the money. I also thank people who have been coming to sympathise with us. This kind of incident shall not be your portion.”
