At least three people were killed on Sunday after violent clashes broke out during a masquerade festival in the Lagos Island area of Lagos State.
Witnesses said the violence began shortly after the cultural event ended when suspected cult members hijacked the celebration, turning it into a supremacy battle. Residents recounted scenes of chaos as bottles were hurled and weapons brandished, forcing people to flee for safety.
Videos shared online showed gunfire along Lagos Street and several men assaulting a victim. A resident identified as Kazeem said the unrest lasted until midnight, leaving many unable to sleep due to the violence and destruction.
The incident also drew attention on social media, with cult-tracking platform Naija Confra reporting that rival gangs had taken over the festival, escalating it into an armed confrontation.
Reacting to the killings, Lagos State Police Command spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said officers had launched a discreet investigation. He confirmed that Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh personally led a joint team to the scene.
Hundeyin added that divisional police officers had been redeployed to bolster security in Lekki, Ajah, Ogombo, Elemoro, and surrounding areas, while the Eko Strike Force and anti-cultism units were deployed to clamp down on the violence.
Police raids in parts of Lekki have so far led to the arrest of 23 suspects linked to the clashes.
