Panic as suspected cult clashes kill three in Lagos
An atmosphere of fear and uncertainty has gripped residents and business owners in the Ebute Meta area of Lagos State following a series of suspected cult-related attacks that left three people dead within two days.
The violent incidents reportedly occurred between Sunday and Monday, resulting in the deaths of three people identified by their nicknames, Agbara, Butcher, and a yet-to-be-identified plumber.
According to multiple eyewitnesses, the first killing took place on Sunday along Lagos Street, where Agbara was reportedly ambushed and brutally murdered.
Residents discovered his lifeless body later that evening, bearing several deep machete wounds.
“I was inside when I heard people running and screaming. I stepped out to see what was going on and was told someone was under attack.
“By the time we got to the scene, we found Agbara’s body on the ground, with multiple machete cuts,” a resident, who requested anonymity, told our correspondent.
The violence escalated the following day, as two more people were murdered in what locals believe was a retaliatory attack. One of the victims, known as Butcher, was found dead in the Makoko area.
“News of Butcher’s death broke early Monday. He was attacked the previous night. We found his body wrapped in a cloth near Makoko. He had deep cuts on his neck.
“People called him Butcher because his father sells meat. He left behind a pregnant wife,” another resident recounted.
The third victim, a plumber whose name remains unknown, was reportedly attacked and killed near the Abeokuta Street bridge.
“Initially, people assumed he was being punished for a financial dispute, as he was dragged along the street. It wasn’t until later that his body was found under the bridge with his throat slit.
“This violence must stop, we need the police to take immediate action to restore peace,” said a concerned local.
Community sources believe the killings stem from an ongoing clash between rival cult groups operating in the area.
Reacting to the incidents, the Lagos State Police Command has taken decisive steps to curb the growing threat of cult violence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, announced the deployment of Anti-Cultism Squads across all Area Commands within the state.
Hundeyin stated that the squads are fully equipped and mandated to respond swiftly to cult-related disturbances.
Their duties include intelligence gathering, responding to emergency calls, arresting suspects, and collaborating with residents to dismantle cult networks.
He also released a list of contact numbers for residents to report suspicious activities or request police intervention:
Area A (Lagos Island): 08035216190
Area B (Apapa): 08033781718
Area C (Surulere): 08035740254
Area D (Mushin): 08030454334
Area E (Festac): 08036883998
Area F (Ikeja): 08134619604
Area G (Ogba): 08033900991
Area H (Ogudu): 08034004076
Area J (Ajah): 08032191689
Area K (Morogbo): 08076134280
Area M (Idimu): 08024248069
Area N (Ijede): 08034806328
Area P (Alagbado): 08090837383
SCID Panti: 08133390333
Panic as suspected cult clashes kill three in Lagos
