5 killed in Lagos cult attack

Five people have been killed after suspected cult members attacked residents of Ijora Bardia, in the Apapa Iganmu area of Lagos State.

Those killed in the Monday attack were identified as Ramon Oladejo, Lateef Abdullahi, Yusuf, Rasheed and Alausa.

It was learnt that Ramon, a meat seller in a market in the community was on his way to work on the fateful morning when he was shot dead.

The Oyo State indigene left behind a 27-year-old widow, Rasheedat, and four kids.

Another victim, Lateef, a 30-year-old motorcyclist was to be appointed the chairman of the riders association when he was killed.

It was gathered from multiple sources that the five victims were shot dead by hoodlums known as the Aliwo boys.

The gang was said to be about 50 in number and carried sophisticated arms.

A source, who pleaded anonymity said, “On Monday morning, the Aliwo boys trooped out from across the bridge where they have their base and blocked the main road.

“They cannot be less than 50. Many of them had guns and opened fire on people on the road. Bullets hit 17 people actually, but only five people died.

“The others were seriously injured and quickly taken to different hospitals where they are receiving treatments.”

A community leader, Chief Amuda Famuyiwa-Ojora, said the traditional ruler of the community, the Ojora of Ijora, Oba Fatai Ojora, had waded into the clashes several times, without any result.

He added that some gangs from different parts of the state usually joined in the mayhem.

He said, “The Monday fight was sudden and unexpected. This clash is fuelled by thugs from Oshodi and Mushin. But we will make efforts to intervene again.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Kenneth Nwosu, said 27 suspects had been arrested.

Credit: Samson Folarin/PunchMetro