A celebration in Lagos ended in chaos on Saturday after gunmen suspected to be cultists fatally shot two people during a wedding after-party in the Ikotun area.
The victims included the bride’s father, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, and a hypeman known simply as Victor.
The incident occurred on Oviawe Street, off Governor’s Road, shortly after the main wedding ceremony when guests had gathered for a post-event celebration.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers stormed the venue while festivities were ongoing, causing panic as attendees fled in different directions.
One resident, Tosin, said Victor had been entertaining guests when the assailants arrived and began shooting sporadically.
“The after-party had just started after the ceremony at an event centre on Governor’s Road,” he explained. “Suddenly, armed men invaded the scene and began firing. People ran for safety. They singled out Victor, dragged him outside, and assaulted him with weapons.”
Another witness, who requested anonymity, said the bride’s father attempted to intervene during the attack but was shot.
“As they were beating Victor, the bride’s father stepped in to plead with them. In the process, both of them were shot and killed instantly,” the source said.
The incident reportedly sparked widespread panic in the neighbourhood, forcing residents and shop owners to hurriedly shut their doors.
Sources suggested the attack may not have been directly linked to the wedding itself but could be part of ongoing cult-related violence in the area.
“There have been recurring cult clashes here. It’s possible the attackers were after someone else, but innocent people became casualties,” another resident noted.
A local identified as Steve described Victor as a familiar face in the community.
“I was indoors when my wife alerted me to the disturbance. When I got outside, I heard Victor was involved. I later realised he was someone I often saw around our street. He was of small build,” he said.
As of the time of reporting, authorities had yet to establish the identities of the bride’s father or the attackers.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident on Monday, stating that investigations are ongoing and the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti.
The latest incident highlights ongoing concerns over cult-related violence in Lagos, despite efforts by the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, to address the issue.
In a similar development reported in April, three unidentified men were killed by suspected cultists while returning from a birthday party on Lagos Island.
