Tragedy Strikes Annual Igunnuko Festival in Lagos
Pandemonium erupted during what should have been a celebration of peace and culture in the Orile Iganmu area of Lagos State. Gunmen, suspected to be members of rival cult groups, turned the annual Igunnuko masqueraders festival into a scene of violence and tragedy on November 24, 2025.
Festival Celebration Turns Deadly
According to eyewitness accounts, at least three people were killed and several others injured when the shooting began during the cultural event. The festival, which celebrates a tall masquerader known as Igunnuko, typically draws large crowds each year to promote community peace and prevent calamity.
One resident named Toyosi described the horrifying moment the celebration turned violent. "They were supposed to be firing shots behind the masquerader as it moved, but the shooting changed when some boys and their rivals sighted each other," Toyosi explained. "That was when one of the suspected cultists and his boys started aiming at their rivals. Some people were also injured in the process."
Community Reacts with Shock and Condemnation
Another resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, expressed deep disappointment at the violence that marred what has historically been a peaceful event. "The festival is celebrated every year to allow peace and to forestall any form of calamity in the community, but what happened was otherwise," the resident lamented. "This is very unusual because the festival has always been very peaceful."
The sudden violence caused widespread panic among participants, with many fleeing for safety as gunshots rang out through the celebration grounds.
Anti-cult advocacy group Naija Confra provided additional details on social media platform X, reporting that two bodies were left at the scene while one was removed. The group also indicated that one of the perpetrators had fled to Ilorin in Kwara State following the incident.
Authorities Yet to Respond
Efforts to reach the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, for official comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. According to Punch newspaper, calls and text messages sent to her line had not been returned.
This tragic incident represents the latest in a series of violent clashes involving cult groups across Nigeria. Earlier reports indicated two men, Jonathan and Konto, were stabbed to death during a suspected cult clash in Agbarho, Delta State.
Residents and festival organizers have united in condemning the attack and are calling on authorities to ensure better security measures for future cultural events. The shooting has heightened tensions in Orile Iganmu, highlighting the persistent challenge of cult-related violence in Lagos State despite ongoing efforts to combat the issue.
