Pandemonium erupted in the Ikotun area of Lagos State on Saturday after suspected cultists stormed a wedding after-party and shot dead the bride’s father alongside a hypeman identified simply as Victor.
The tragic incident occurred on Oviawe Street, off Governor’s Road, shortly after the wedding ceremony had ended and guests had gathered for a celebration.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the attackers, who arrived while the party was ongoing, opened fire indiscriminately, sending guests fleeing for safety.
A resident, Tosin, who witnessed the chaos, said the hypeman was entertaining guests when the assailants struck.
“They had moved from the wedding venue to an after-party when the gunmen suddenly invaded the place and started shooting. Everyone ran in different directions to escape,” he said.
According to him, the attackers singled out Victor, dragged him out to the street, and assaulted him with weapons.
Another resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the bride’s father was shot while attempting to intervene.
“When they were attacking Victor, the bride’s father rushed forward to plead with them. In the process, the gunmen shot both of them, and they died instantly,” the source said.
The incident reportedly threw the neighbourhood into confusion, forcing residents and business owners to shut their doors amid fear of further violence.
Sources in the community suggested that the attack might not have been directly targeted at the wedding but could be linked to ongoing cult-related clashes in the area.
“There have been cult issues around here for a while. It is possible the attackers were after a rival, but innocent people became victims,” a resident added.
Another eyewitness, identified as Steve, described Victor as a familiar face in the neighbourhood.
“I didn’t know what had happened until my wife alerted me. When I stepped outside, I was told Victor was involved. He is someone I usually see around; he is of small stature,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, the identity of the bride’s father had yet to be confirmed, while the attackers remained at large.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident on Monday, noting that investigations had commenced and the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti.
The development adds to rising concerns over cult-related violence in parts of Lagos, despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb the menace. It would be recalled that in April, three men were reportedly killed by suspected cultists in the Lagos Island area while returning from a birthday party.