By Peter Omopo
Pandemonium erupted in the Orile-Iganmu area of Lagos State on Tuesday when gunmen suspected to be members of rival cult groups opened fire during the annual Igunnuko masqueraders festival, leaving at least three people dead.
Residents told PUNCH Metro on Sunday that the incident occurred shortly after the tall Igunnuko masquerader made its customary Tuesday appearance, a major highlight of the traditional celebration.
What began as the usual display of gunshots fired into the air behind the masquerader—an act regarded as a show of bravado during the procession—quickly escalated into violence when suspected cultists allegedly redirected their weapons at members of a rival group.
A resident identified as Toyosi said the clash turned fatal almost immediately.
“They were supposed to be firing shots behind the masquerader as it moved, but everything changed when some boys sighted their rivals. One of the suspected cult leaders and his boys started aiming directly at them. Three people were shot, and many others were injured,” he said.
Another resident, who spoke anonymously for security reasons, lamented that the festival, traditionally meant to promote peace and cultural unity, had been tainted by violence.
“This festival is supposed to foster peace, not bloodshed,” the resident said.
The Lagos State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement as of press time. However, the Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, is expected to address the incident as investigations continue.
The attack adds to mounting concerns over recurring cult-related violence in several Lagos neighbourhoods.
