Three Killed as Cult Clashes Mar Masquerade Festival in Lagos

What was meant to be a cultural celebration in Lagos Island turned bloody on Sunday when a masquerade festival spiraled into a violent clash, leaving at least three people dead.

Residents said the violence broke out shortly after the festival ended, when suspected cult members hijacked the event and turned it into a supremacy battle.

A resident, who requested anonymity, told PUNCH Metro that chaos erupted almost instantly.
“We had just finished the festival when some boys suspected to be cultists started fighting. They threw bottles and used dangerous weapons. Nobody could stop them; everyone ran for cover,” the source said.

Gunfire and Chaos

Videos circulating online showed heavy gunshots as rival groups chased one another along Lagos Street. In one clip, about 10 men were seen beating a victim mercilessly, while several gunshots echoed in the background.

Another resident, Kazeem, said the violence dragged into the night.
“The fight started in the evening and continued till midnight. People couldn’t sleep because of the noise and destruction,” he said.

Online platforms that track cult-related violence also reported the incident, describing it as a street gang war linked to the masquerade festival.

Police Step In

The Lagos State Police Command said it has stepped up security across Lekki, Ajah, and adjoining communities in response to the violence.

Command spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed in a statement that Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, personally mobilised officers to the scene at Wole Olateju Street in Lekki Phase 1, where the deadly clash erupted around 5 a.m. on Sunday.

“The incident involved rival cult groups and sadly led to the death of three individuals. Tactical teams, including the Anti-Cultism Squad and the Eko Strike Force, have been deployed to restore order,” Hundeyin said.

23 Suspects Arrested

Hundeyin added that a discreet investigation had begun, with several raids already carried out in Lekki and its environs.

“So far, 23 suspects linked to the clash have been arrested,” he disclosed, listing those in custody as Frank Okpara (27), Friday Ebuka (27), Babatunde Mufutau (24), Suleiman Muri (25), Olamide Malik (24), Nwaka Lucky (34), Raphael Ashim (30), Wasiu Kareem (33), Sadiq Olabisi (40), Ibrahim Abdul (22), Ibrahim Aminu (37), Nasiru Musa (27), Friday Nwafor (51), Ahmed Fatai (26), Aro Abiola a.k.a. Zino (25), Tijani Shehu a.k.a. Abana (26), Gift Igedi (31), Ugochukwu Chike (30), Ridwan Alex (37), Happiness Otigbo (27), Abiodun Adegun (37), Adedayo Adeoti (27), and Afeez Ahmed (31).

The police urged residents to cooperate with security operatives to ensure peace and prevent further breakdown of law and order.