Tension as suspected cult clashes leave 3 dead in Lagos

Residents and business owners in Ebute Meta, Lagos State, are living in fear following a spate of violent attacks believed to be linked to cult-related clashes that claimed three lives in just two days.

The incidents, which unfolded between Sunday and Monday, have thrown the once-bustling neighborhood into panic, with many locals avoiding late-night movement and closing shops early.

According to eyewitnesses, the first attack occurred on Sunday evening along Lagos Street, where a man known locally as Agbara was ambushed and brutally killed by unidentified assailants. His killing sent shockwaves through the community.

Barely 24 hours later, two more lives were lost. A man identified by his street name, Butcher, was reportedly gunned down in the early hours of Monday. A plumber, whose identity has yet to be confirmed, also fell victim to the violence later that day.

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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

(DailyPost)