Gunmen suspected to be members of a cult group have fatally shot a popular shawarma vendor known as Benjamin, also called Benji, in the Ebutte-Ipakodo area of Ikorodu, Lagos State.
The tragic incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, while Benjamin was attending to customers at his roadside business, Chibest Shawarma.
Eyewitnesses reported that two unidentified men approached his stall under the pretense of making a purchase before suddenly pulling out firearms and shooting him multiple times at close range.
A resident, who identified himself simply as Samson, told the Punch that the attackers were likely rival cultists targeting Benjamin as part of a gang-related vendetta.
“Everyone scattered when the shots were fired. It was a terrifying scene,” Samson said.
Another source, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the assailants fled immediately after the shooting, leaving Benjamin in a pool of blood.
Due to panic and fear, it took some time before residents could approach the victim. He was eventually taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Social media tributes described Benjamin as a hardworking and cheerful young man who was well-loved in the community. His death has sparked fear and sorrow in Ikorodu.
Attempts to reach the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.
This killing comes weeks after a similar cult-related incident in Ebute Metta, where a 16-year-old boy was struck by a stray bullet during a peace walk aimed at curbing gang violence.
