At least four persons are feared dead following a series of violent clashes linked to suspected cult groups in different parts of Lagos State over the past few days. The incidents, which occurred between Monday and Wednesday, have raised fresh concerns about rising cult-related violence in the state.
The clashes were reported in several communities, including Iyana-Ipaja and Aboru in Alimosho Local Government Area; Badore and Olokonla in Ajah, Eti-Osa Local Government Area; Onipanu near Fadeyi; Satellite Town; and Baba Adisa Bus Stop in Ibeju-Lekki.
Residents of the affected areas described the period as tense, saying fear has gripped communities following the attacks, which involved shootings, machete attacks, and violent confrontations.
In Badore, Ajah area of Eti-Osa Local Government Area, one person identified simply as Chidera was reportedly killed last Friday during a violent clash involving suspected rival cult groups. Witnesses said the attackers arrived suddenly and opened fire, causing residents to flee for safety.
A resident of the area said the clash happened late in the evening and lasted several minutes before the attackers escaped.
“People were shouting and running. We later heard that one person had been killed,” the resident said.
In Iyana-Ipaja and Aboru areas of Alimosho Local Government Area, violent clashes were also reported between suspected cult groups. Videos and photographs circulating on social media showed at least three individuals with serious injuries. The victims were seen bleeding from deep cuts to their heads and upper bodies.
Residents said the clashes caused panic, forcing shops to close early and commuters to avoid the areas.
“We were afraid to come out. People were running everywhere. We heard they were fighting each other,” a trader in Aboru said.
Similarly, violence was reported in the Onipanu area near Fadeyi on Lagos Mainland. A man identified only as Israel was allegedly shot dead during a suspected cult clash. Video footage from the scene showed the victim lying motionless on the ground after sustaining gunshot wounds.
The incident reportedly caused traffic disruption in the area as residents gathered in shock before security operatives arrived.
In Satellite Town, another man was found dead at NEPA Junction last Wednesday. Although initial reports did not clearly link the incident to cult violence, residents raised concerns due to the pattern of recent killings across the state.
While official confirmation was initially awaited from the Lagos State Police Command regarding some of the incidents, it was later gathered that another killing occurred on Monday morning at Baba Adisa Bus Stop in Ibeju-Lekki.
The victim, identified only as Alabama, was reportedly found lying motionless on the pavement. Residents said the body was discovered early in the morning, sparking fear among commuters and traders in the area.
Confirming one of the incidents, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Mrs Abimbola Adebisi, said the killing in Satellite Town had been confirmed and was being treated as a suspected murder.
According to her, the police reached out to Divisional Police Officers in the affected areas to verify the reports.
“The receipt of these incidents from you yesterday prompted me to reach out to all the Divisional Police Officers in charge of the locations mentioned. None confirmed the incidents, except the one at Satellite Town, which was confirmed as a suspected murder,” she said.
Mrs Adebisi added that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation.
She assured residents that the police are taking the matter seriously and will ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Cult-related violence has remained a major security concern in Lagos, especially in densely populated areas. Rival cult groups often clash over territory, influence, and control of illegal activities. These clashes frequently lead to loss of lives, destruction of property, and fear among residents.
Over the years, the Lagos State Government and security agencies have launched several operations to curb cultism, including arrests, raids, and public awareness campaigns. Despite these efforts, incidents of cult violence continue to surface in some communities.
Residents of the affected areas have called on the government to increase security patrols and take decisive action against cult groups.
“We are tired of living in fear. Government should help us before more people die,” a resident of Iyana-Ipaja said.
