A yet-to-be-identified bride's father and a hypeman known as Victor were fatally shot by suspected cultists on Governor's Road in the Ikotun area of Lagos State. The incident occurred on Oviawe Street shortly after a wedding ceremony concluded, as guests moved to an after-party.
Attack During Celebration
According to local sources, the assailants stormed the venue while the celebration was ongoing, causing guests to flee for safety. A resident named Tosin stated that Victor was entertaining the crowd when the attackers struck. 'They were holding an after-party after the wedding ceremony at an event centre on Governor's Road. During the celebration, the gunmen entered and opened fire indiscriminately,' Tosin said. 'Everyone ran for their lives. The attackers then went straight to Victor, dragged him outside onto the street, and began hitting him with dangerous weapons.'
Intervention Turns Fatal
Another resident, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the incident, disclosed that the bride's father intervened when he saw Victor being attacked. 'When the gunmen were beating Victor, the bride's father rushed to the spot to intervene and plead for him. In the process, the gunmen shot both of them. They died on the spot,' the source explained. The incident threw the community into confusion, with residents and business owners rushing indoors.
Possible Cult Clash
The source further revealed that the attack might not have been directly connected to the wedding but could be linked to ongoing rival cult clashes in the community. 'This area has been experiencing cult-related issues for some time. It is possible that the attackers were trailing someone or targeting a rival, but innocent people ended up as victims,' the source added. A resident named Steve described Victor as a well-known figure in the community. 'I was inside when my wife told me something had happened outside. When I got outside, I was told Victor was involved. Later, I realized he was someone I usually see on our street. He has a small stature,' Steve said.
Police Investigation
The Lagos State Police Command spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating, 'The matter is being investigated; it will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, today unfailingly.'
