A two-year-old boy, his father, and a family friend are dead, while the child’s mother remains hospitalised following a brazen daylight shooting in Belmont on Thursday morning.
TTT News understands that the incident unfolded around 8:35am when gunmen ambushed a vehicle carrying toddler Akanni Kaffi, his parents, Akil and Antonia Kaffi, and family friend Anthony Wilson along St Francois Valley Road.
Akanni, his father, and Wilson were all killed at the scene, while his mother was rushed to hospital for treatment.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has since launched a relentless manhunt for the perpetrators, urging members of the public to remain calm and assist in making the country safer.
Speaking with TTT News at the scene, Assistant Commissioner of Police Richard Smith said substantial resources have been mobilised to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We are not taking this lightly, especially this type of murder. This child would have turned two years old in two weeks’ time. So it’s quite ridiculous at this stage, and you know we are not taking this lightly at all. What I’m seeing here are blatant criminals, and we will be going after them.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin appealed for calm in the community and noted that it is important that residents do their part in seeking justice for the trio.
“I will tell the community to stay calm, and I’m asking the citizens in this area to communicate with the police and share any information that may assist in the investigations. We have our intelligence and operational teams on the ground, and they are doing patrols and gathering information in the area.”
Responding to social media calls for a curfew, DCP Martin acknowledged the emotions surrounding the incident but said efforts would be better spent encouraging people to share information with the police.
“This is not just a police issue. This is a Trinidad and Tobago holistic issue where we all have to come together to make Trinidad and Tobago a safer place. So if you see something, say something.”
Thursday’s shooting came less than three weeks after nine-year-old Jlayna Armstrong was among four people shot dead on the Lady Young Road.
The Police Service has since promised increased operational activity in communities affected by violent crime.
In a media release, the TTPS said it remains committed to restoring public confidence, adding that “acts of violence involving innocent citizens, especially children, will be met with a focused and relentless law enforcement response.”