Some residents of Governor’s Road in Ikotun, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, on Saturday took to the streets to protest the rising wave of cult-related violence following fresh killings in the area.
Our correspondent gathered on Monday that at least two persons were feared killed in separate cult-related clashes across parts of Lagos State, including Sangotedo in Ajah, Ikotun, and sections of Lekki.
Metro learnt from community sources that the victims included a man identified as Ola and another known simply as Chief Priest, who were reportedly killed in the attacks.
In Sangotedo, near a popular supermarket, a man was allegedly shot dead in what residents described as a drive-by shooting.
A resident, Sesan, told our correspondent that the incident occurred on Friday.
“The guy was shot and left to die by the roadside,” he said.
A video obtained by Metro from Naija Confra, a Telegram channel that tracks cult-related violence, showed the victim writhing on the ground as vehicles passed by.
According to a caption accompanying the video, the attack occurred near Blenco Supermarket in Sangotedo.
“The attackers reportedly arrived in a car, shot their target and then fled the scene,” the post stated.
In another incident, a suspected cult member identified simply as Ola was reportedly stabbed to death by a rival gang on Sansan Street in the Igando-Ikotun area.
The renewed violence heightened tensions in the Ikotun-Igando axis, prompting residents to stage a protest against persistent cult-related attacks.
Videos seen by Metro on Monday showed residents of Governor’s Road trooping out in large numbers on Saturday, dressed in branded T-shirts and carrying banners with anti-cultism messages.
Security personnel were also seen monitoring the peaceful demonstration, while community leaders warned youths to steer clear of cult groups.
One of the protesters, speaking through a loudspeaker, warned residents against involvement in cultism.
“If you are caught belonging to any cult group, you will face the consequences. The police and the Lagos State Government are involved. Do not try it,” he said.
Another protester repeatedly chanted, “No more cultism,” urging residents to reject criminal groups in the area.
Speaking with our correspondent, a resident identified only as Oladimeji described the community as a hotspot for cult violence in Lagos.
“Things are very tough here. Clashes among cult groups are everywhere,” he said.
He recalled a previous incident in which two persons were killed, including the father of a newlywed, who was reportedly trying to restore order after hoodlums attacked a disc jockey hired for a wedding after-party.
“Some of these cult groups even rob and attack innocent people. So the protest and rally by members of the community is a welcome development,” he added.
When contacted on Monday, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Abimbola Adebisi, did not respond to calls or text messages seeking confirmation of the fresh killings and protests.