Pandemonium broke out in the Ikotun area of Lagos after gunmen suspected to be cultists shot dead a bride’s father and a hypeman during a wedding after-party.
The incident occurred on Oviawe Street, off Governor’s Road, shortly after the wedding ceremony, when guests had gathered for a reception.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the venue while the celebration was ongoing and opened fire, forcing guests to flee for safety.
A resident, who identified himself simply as Tosin, said the hypeman, identified as Victor, was entertaining guests when the assailants struck.
“They came in and started shooting. People ran in different directions. They dragged Victor outside and began to assault him,” he said.
Another resident disclosed that the bride’s father was shot while attempting to intervene and plead with the attackers.
“He rushed out to stop them from beating Victor, but they shot both of them. They died on the spot,” the source added.
The attack threw the neighbourhood into confusion, as residents and shop owners hurriedly shut their doors amid fears of further violence.
Sources within the community linked the incident to ongoing cult-related clashes in the area, suggesting that the attackers may have been targeting a rival group.
A resident, who gave his name as Steve, described Victor as a familiar face in the neighbourhood.
“I later realised he was someone I usually see around. It’s shocking that something like this happened at a wedding,” he said.
The identities of the bride’s father and the attackers were yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident, adding that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, for further investigation.
The latest killing adds to growing concerns over cult-related violence in parts of the state, despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb the menace.
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