Lagos — Residents of Lakowe’s Orita Adeba and Sangotedo communities in Ibeju-Lekki were gripped by fear over the weekend after two young men were gruesomely killed in what locals suspect were cult-related reprisals.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the Lakowe incident occurred on Saturday when assailants attacked a dreadlocked youth, hacked him with machetes, and severed his right wrist before abandoning his body near Orita Adeba, opposite Lakowe Bus Stop.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the killing was linked to ongoing rival cult clashes.
We learnt that he was killed by the Aye cult group. His wrist was totally cut off. They have been killing each other to count scores for a few weeks now,” the source said.
A video obtained by PUNCH Metro showed the victim in brown shorts and a white vest, lying in a pool of blood as shocked residents looked on.
Another resident, Fatai, lamented the rising wave of killings in the area.
It’s over three incidents now within a short time. Just three days ago, someone else was butchered. The boy killed is also believed to be a cult member. They are using their lives to count scores,” he said.
Meanwhile, another victim was discovered lifeless by a culvert in Sangotedo. A video shared on the Naija Confra Telegram page showed the young man, dressed in a white singlet and black trousers, lying motionless by the roadside.
Though police are yet to confirm the motive, a senior officer told PUNCH Metro on Sunday that details would be provided later.
Last week, two people were also killed in a similar cult clash in Ibeju-Lekki, with images showing deep machete wounds and mutilation.
The recurring violence has left residents anxious and calling for urgent security intervention.
