Lagos: Shock as 5 bodies found along riverbank

Tension has gripped communities in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State after  five bodies were recovered along the riverbank in the Oreta area of the Igbogbo community on Wednesday, while another person was gruesomely killed in Bayeku on Tuesday.

Preliminary findings suggest the killings may be connected to the wave of cult-related clashes sweeping through Lagos, which has already prompted the redeployment of several divisional police officers.

According to a report by PUNCH, resident of Bayeku, who spoke anonymously, said “Some people believe that the incident at Bayeku was unrelated to cultism. The person who died is not a known cultist. Many in the community think it is connected to land grabbing. They killed the man and severed his hands and legs.”

At Oreta, residents expressed shock at the discovery of the corpses. Adeola, one of the locals, said police operatives had visited the scene. “Some people are saying it was the river that brought the five bodies to the riverbank. We don’t know the details. But five bodies were recovered. We don’t believe the water brought them. The cause of death is still unknown.”

A video published by Naija Confra, a channel known for exposing cult activities, showed some of the bodies by the riverside. One victim, dressed in a blue hoodie, lay facedown, while another in a black-and-white shirt was seen motionless with bloodstains nearby.

Confirming the incidents, the Executive Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Hammed Aroyewun, described the attacks as “painful, unacceptable, and a direct affront to the peace of Baiyeku.”

Through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Oluwaseun Ajayi, Aroyewun said he immediately visited the scene with security officials to reassure residents. “Our people deserve to live in peace and without fear. This administration will continue to deploy every necessary resource, in close partnership with security agencies, to guarantee safety and restore lasting peace,” he added, urging residents to remain calm as patrols are intensified.

The latest killings follow a cult-related clash earlier in the week on Lagos Island, where three suspected cultists were gunned down during a festival. Video clips showed rival groups exchanging gunfire in deserted streets.

As of press time, efforts to reach Lagos State Police Command spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin were unsuccessful.