ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Fresh tension has gripped parts of Ojo in Lagos State following a series of violent attacks linked to rival cult groups, leaving at least two persons dead and heightening fears of further reprisals in the area.
The first incident occurred around 4 p.m. near Alaba International Market, close to St. Patrick Catholic Church, where a man identified as Prosper, also known as Azuka, was reportedly attacked by suspected rival cult members.
Eyewitnesses said the victim, described as a phone dealer, had hurriedly asked his motorcycle rider to leave the area after spotting suspicious movements believed to be from approaching attackers.
According to witnesses, the assailants opened fire at him but he reportedly dodged the shot, which instead struck a truck driver in the vicinity, killing the victim instantly.
The attackers subsequently caught up with Prosper and killed him at the scene.
Sources within the community said the attack was initially suspected to be linked to a rivalry between members of the Aye and Eiye confraternities, although another group, believed to be the Vikings, later reportedly claimed responsibility for the killing.
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Tension escalated later the same night when suspected members of the Aye group reportedly launched a reprisal attack in Satellite Town, also within the Ojo axis.
During the incident, a man popularly known as Hefty, described by residents as a feared cult figure, was tracked to Esie Street, Ijegun Egba where he was attacked and killed.
Residents said the attackers initially shot at him but when the bullet failed to penetrate, they allegedly used other weapons including stones and axes to carry out the killing.
Community sources described the deceased as a long-standing rival target who had been linked to several criminal activities in the area.
The violence reportedly continued later that night, with two other persons attacked within the Ojo area. However, their identities and affiliations had not been independently confirmed at the time of filing this report.
Residents said the situation in parts of Ojo and surrounding communities remains tense as rival groups are reportedly threatening further attacks.
Security authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incidents as of press time, but residents have called for increased patrols and security presence in the area to prevent further violence.
When contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi told VONa via telephone call that she was yet to receive information regarding the incident.