Investigation underway into killing of two people at Nigerian wedding celebration in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation into the fatal shooting of two individuals at a wedding after-party in the Ikotun area, with plans to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, for a more in-depth probe.

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The victims, identified as the bride's father and a hypeman known as Victor, lost their lives when suspected cultists stormed the celebration venue on Oviawe Street, off Governor's Road, last Saturday, sparking widespread concern over the recurring cult-related violence in the area.

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Residents are calling for immediate security intervention in the wake of the incident, which occurred shortly after the wedding ceremony during an after-party, highlighting the need for urgent action to address the rising cult-related violence in the area.

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Confirming the development, Lagos State Police Command's Public Relations Officer, SP Adebisi Abimbola, stated that the matter is already under investigation and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, for further thorough investigation.

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Abimbola noted that it is still unclear whether the killing is cult-related, and as of the current moment, no suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, which will be thoroughly investigated by the SCID.

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Eyewitness accounts suggest that the assailants invaded the venue while guests were being entertained, causing chaos as they opened fire, with one resident describing how the attackers appeared to have a specific target in mind.

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A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, recounted how the attackers suddenly appeared, started shooting, and dragged the hypeman, Victor, outside, where they assaulted him, as people ran in different directions to escape the gunfire.

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Another witness, identified as Opeyemi, revealed that the bride's father was fatally shot while attempting to intervene in the attack on Victor, as he tried to plead with the attackers and was shot and killed in the process.

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The killings triggered panic across the neighbourhood, forcing residents and business owners to shut down activities abruptly, as the community struggled to come to terms with the sudden and tragic loss of life.

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Residents in the community believe that the attack may be linked to ongoing cult clashes in Ikotun and its environs, suggesting that the violence may have been a targeted reprisal that resulted in the deaths of innocent bystanders.

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A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that the attack was likely not directly related to the wedding, but rather a clash between rival groups, which unfortunately resulted in the deaths of innocent people.

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A neighbour, who identified himself as Adekunle, described the slain hypeman as a familiar face in the area, recalling how he recognised him after hearing the gunshots and coming out to see what was happening.

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As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the bride's father and the attackers, who are still at large, were yet to be officially confirmed, but the police have assured that efforts are underway to track down those responsible for the tragic incident.

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The police have also urged residents to remain calm and assured them that increased patrols and intelligence gathering are being implemented to curb violent crimes in the community and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.