The Association of Music Band Owners of Nigeria (AMBON) has condemned the killing of David Sunday, the sound engineer, who was reportedly lynched in the Lekki axis of Lagos state.
In a statement signed by Akinloye ‘Shuga’ Tofowomo, the national president of AMBON, the association said David’s demise will have a “direct impact” on the nightlife business in Lagos.
The music group also said the death of the sound engineer could have been averted under an “effective system.”
It added that two of his colleagues, who were involved in the incident, are still in a coma.
AMBON commiserated with the family of the deceased, even as the group promised to fully support his wife and two children.
The association also said it will investigate the alleged refusal of the Beer Barn club to allow David and his colleagues into its premises while they seek refuge away from their assailants.
“The jungle-justice treatment also left two members of the band, Philips Balogun and Olatunji Francis, critically ill and fighting for their lives in a coma at a hospital we cannot disclose,” the statement read.
“Late David Sunday will now be left to be mourned by a young wife and two infants who will grow up to learn about the gruesome murder of their loving father.
“We see the public outrage and join people of good conscience to demand justice for our members who were doing their bit to earn a decent living.
“The murder of David bears direct impact on Lagos nightlife business and the safety of live bands professionals who are critical stakeholders in the growth of this subset of our creative economy.
“AMBON represents the interests of all performing live bands in Nigeria, and we commiserate with the bereaved family of our departed member and all stakeholders.
“We believe that the gruesome murder of David in the middle of one of the busiest roads within the Lekki metropolis could have been promptly averted under a system that works promptly and effectively.
“We join in renewing the call for the activities of motorcyclists to be immediately reviewed before another David Sunday pays the ultimate price. We are also alarmed at the rising cause of insecurity and call for immediate action.
“AMBON is currently reviewing the alleged rejection of late David and his two injured colleagues when they sought refuge under duress in the Beer Barn club premises. We would not hesitate to declare an industry-wide boycott of their facility if found complicit.
“In line with the founding ideals of our association, we are committed to giving our full support to the family of our late member during this grieving period. The death of David must not go unpunished.”
We had earlier reported that four persons suspected to be involved in David’s killing have been arrested.
The sound engineer was said to have been set ablaze after he was beaten into comatose due to a misunderstanding over N100 balance with motorcyclists.
