At least three people were killed on Sunday after a masquerade festival in the Lagos Island area of Lagos State turned violent.
Witnesses said the celebration was hijacked by suspected cult members from families involved in the event, sparking a supremacy battle.
A resident, who asked not to be named, told PUNCH Metro that trouble began shortly after the festival ended.
“We had just finished the festival when a fight broke out among some boys suspected to be cultists. They started throwing bottles and using dangerous weapons. Everyone ran for safety,” the resident said
Videos seen by PUNCH Metro showed gunshots and armed men chasing one another along Lagos Street. In one clip, at least five shots were heard, and a victim was attacked by about 10 assailants.
Another resident, Kazeem, said the violence lasted into the night, leaving residents in fear.
An online account, Naija Confra, known for reporting cult activities, also confirmed the clash, saying it had continued since Sunday.
Police Response
The Lagos State Police Command said it had stepped up security in Lekki, Ajah, Ogombo, and Elemoro. Spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin announced the redeployment of Divisional Police Officers and the deployment of the Eko Strike Force to curb crime.
Hundeyin said the clash occurred around 5:00 a.m. on Wole Olateju Street, Lekki Phase 1, involving rival cult groups. Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh personally led joint teams to the scene.
According to him, 23 suspects were arrested during raids on criminal hideouts in the area. They include Frank Okpara (27), Friday Ebuka (27), Babatunde Mufutau (24), Suleiman Muri (25), Olamide Malik (24), Nwaka Lucky (34), Raphael Ashim (30), Wasiu Kareem (33), Sadiq Olabisi (40), Ibrahim Abdul (22), Ibrahim Aminu (37), Nasiru Musa (27), Friday Nwafor (51), Ahmed Fatai (26), Aro Abiola a.k.a. Zino (25), Tijani Shehu a.k.a. Abana (26), Gift Igedi (31), Ugochukwu Chike (30), Ridwan Alex (37), Happiness Otigbo (27), Abiodun Adegun (37), Adedayo Adeoti (27), and Afeez Ahmed (31).
The police said investigations into the killings are ongoing and urged residents to cooperate with security operatives to restore peace.
PUNCH
