Panic gripped residents of Ikotun in Lagos State after gunmen suspected to be cultists killed two people, including a bride’s father and a hypeman identified simply as Victor, during a violent attack in the area.
The assailants reportedly invaded a post-wedding celebration, opening fire and causing guests to flee for safety, while the community was thrown into confusion as the incident unfolded.
It was gathered that the attack occurred on Saturday along Oviawe Street, off Governor’s Road, shortly after a wedding ceremony had ended and guests had gathered for an after-party.
Eyewitnesses said the hypeman, Victor, was entertaining attendees when the gunmen stormed the venue and began shooting indiscriminately.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “They were holding an after-party after the wedding ceremony at an event centre on Governor’s Road. It was during the celebration that the gunmen entered their midst and started shooting.
“This caused panic as everyone ran for their lives. They went straight to Victor, dragged him outside onto the street and began assaulting him with dangerous weapons.”
Another resident disclosed that the bride’s father was shot while attempting to intervene in the attack.
“When the gunmen were beating Victor, the bride’s father rushed in to plead for him. In the process, both of them were shot and died on the spot,” the source said.
The incident forced residents and business owners in the neighbourhood to hurriedly shut their doors and seek safety.
Sources within the community suggested that the attack may not have been directly related to the wedding ceremony, but rather connected to ongoing cult-related clashes in the area.
“This area has been experiencing cult-related violence for some time. It is possible the attackers were pursuing a target or rival group, but innocent people ended up as victims,” another resident explained.
A neighbour who identified himself as Steve said Victor was a familiar figure in the community.
“I was indoors when my wife alerted me to the incident. When I got outside, I was told Victor was involved. I later realised he was someone I usually see around the street. He is of small stature,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the bride’s father and the attackers had not been confirmed.
Reacting to the development, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command said the matter was under investigation and would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti.
“The matter is being investigated; it will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, today unfailingly,” she stated.
