5 feared killed in renewed cult war in Lagos

A renewed wave of cult-related violence in the Ilemba-Awori area of Lagos, left at least five people dead. The latest incident occurred over the weekend when rival cult groups clashed in the Ilemba-Awori and Shibiri communities in Ojo. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and screams on Saturday as cultists, armed with guns, machetes, and other weapons, marched […]

A renewed wave of cult-related violence in the Ilemba-Awori area of Lagos, left at least five people dead.

The latest incident occurred over the weekend when rival cult groups clashed in the Ilemba-Awori and Shibiri communities in Ojo.

Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and screams on Saturday as cultists, armed with guns, machetes, and other weapons, marched through the streets and engaged in a fierce battle.

The violence, which reportedly started in the Etegbin area of Ojo, later spilled into Ilemba and Shibiri, causing widespread panic among residents.

According to witnesses, the first casualty was recorded at the Etegbin waterside area on Friday, when armed youths opened fire on a young man, killing him on the spot.

“The deceased had just finished playing football with his mates in an open field when the gunmen cornered him,” one of the witnesses said.

While a yet-to-be-ascertained number of suspects have been arrested, residents claimed that fighting re-erupted on Saturday evening.

The gangs also used the opportunity to loot shops and rob members of the public.

A petty trader, who identified herself simply as Esther, said she quickly closed her shop when the armed groups stormed Shibiri Road.

“I grabbed my daughter and locked up when I sighted dozens of gang members marching into my area,” she said, adding that the cult war lasted until Sunday afternoon.

Police operatives were alerted to the incident and responded swiftly, deploying a team of officers to the scene.

While the identities of the victims have not been officially released, sources say they were all males in their 20s and 30s. Their bodies have been evacuated to the mortuary.

After hours of confrontation, officers were able to restore order and apprehend several suspects, though others managed to escape.

Daily Trust had reported last week on the killing of a middle-aged welder, identified as Clement, who was shot dead in the Abule area of Ojo. That victim’s head was reportedly smashed open by the “bloodthirsty” gang.

The killing of the welder came barely two weeks after a bloody clash in the Otto and Ijanikin communities left one person dead.

The Lagos State Police Command has yet to officially comment on the latest developments.

As of the time of filing this report, calls and WhatsApp messages to the Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh, have not been answered.

The latest incidents have raised fresh concerns regarding the growing menace of cultism in Lagos.

Residents of the affected communities have called on the government to take more decisive action to address the root causes of the violence and provide greater security.