Tension gripped residents of Lakowe and Sangotedo areas of Lagos State at the weekend following suspected cult clashes that left two young men dead in separate incidents.
The killings, believed to be reprisals, occurred on Saturday and added to a growing wave of cult-related violence that has plagued parts of the state in recent weeks.
One of the victims was reportedly attacked with machetes at Orita Adeba, near Lakowe Bus Stop. Witnesses said his assailants cut off his right wrist before abandoning his body by the roadside.
A resident, who declined to be named, described the situation as frightening. “We can no longer sleep at night.
They have been killing each other for weeks now,” he said, alleging that members of the Aye cult group were behind the latest attack.
A short video circulating online showed the deceased, clad in brown shorts and a white vest, lying in a pool of blood as shocked onlookers gathered.
In another incident the same day, a young man was found dead near a culvert in Sangotedo.
A video posted on social media showed the victim in a white singlet and black trousers lying lifeless by the roadside.
Though the motive of the Sangotedo killing remains unclear, residents linked it to the recent surge in cult violence in Ibeju-Lekki.
“This is the third time in just a few days.
They are killing each other to count scores,” another resident, identified simply as Fatai, lamented.
The Lagos State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the incidents.
A senior officer contacted on Sunday said details would be provided later.
Last week, two people were also killed in a similar cult clash in Ibeju-Lekki, with images showing victims hacked with machetes and left by the roadside.