By Adesakin Adefemi
Residents of Governor’s Road in Ikotun, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos, staged a protest on Saturday over a renewed wave of cult-related violence that has claimed lives across the state.
Reports from community sources indicate that at least two people were feared killed in separate clashes on Friday and over the weekend in Sangotedo, Ikotun-Igando, and parts of Lekki. Victims included a man identified as Ola and another known as Chief Priest.
In Sangotedo, near Blenco Supermarket in Ajah, a man was reportedly shot dead in a drive-by attack on Friday. A resident, Sesan, said the victim was left by the roadside. A video circulating on a Telegram channel that tracks cult-related violence showed the man writhing on the ground as vehicles passed.
The caption accompanying the video said attackers arrived in a car, shot their target, and fled. The incident added to growing fears of cult groups using brazen methods in Lagos suburbs.
In Igando-Ikotun, a suspected cult member identified as Ola was allegedly stabbed to death by a rival gang on Sansan Street. The killing heightened tensions in the Ikotun-Igando axis and triggered the community protest.
Videos from the demonstration showed residents trooping out on Governor’s Road on Saturday in branded T-shirts, carrying banners with anti-cultism messages. Security personnel monitored the peaceful protest while community leaders warned youths to avoid cult groups.
A protester speaking through a loudspeaker cautioned residents against cult involvement, saying the police and Lagos State Government were involved and offenders would face consequences. Another repeatedly chanted “No more cultism” to drive home the message.
Resident Oladimeji described the area as a hotspot for cult violence. He recalled a previous clash in which two people died, including a father of a newlywed who was trying to stop hoodlums from attacking a disc jockey at a wedding after-party.
He said some cult groups also rob and attack innocent people, adding that the community rally was a welcome development. Attempts to get confirmation from the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson were unsuccessful as of Monday.
