At least five people have been confirmed dead after fresh cult-related violence broke out in the Ilemba-Awori axis of Lagos, sending residents fleeing for safety and prompting a police crackdown.
The clashes, which spread across Ilemba-Awori and Shibiri communities in Ojo Local Government Area over the weekend, were linked to suspected rival cult groups engaging in violent reprisals.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as gunshots rang out across neighbourhoods, with armed youths reportedly moving through the streets wielding firearms, machetes and other dangerous weapons.
Residents said the violence began in the Etegbin area before spiralling into nearby communities, forcing families to abandon their homes amid fears of further attacks.
One eyewitness recounted that the first victim, a young man playing football at Etegbin waterside, was allegedly shot dead on Friday.
“He was surrounded by the attackers and killed on the spot,” the witness said.
The unrest intensified into Saturday evening, with reports of looting and robbery compounding the crisis. A shop owner, identified as Esther, said she fled with her child after spotting armed youths advancing along Shibiri Road.
The victims, believed to be men in their 20s and 30s, have since been deposited in a morgue.
Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Command said 18 suspects have been arrested and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Authorities have yet to disclose the identities of the victims, but security operations have reportedly been intensified in the affected areas to prevent further violence.
