Deborah Akinyosoye
At least five bodies were recovered along the riverbank in the Oreta area of the Igbogbo community on Wednesday, while another person was gruesomely killed in Bayeku on Tuesday, both in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
Findings on Thursday suggested that the incidents may be linked to the surge in cult-related violence across parts of Lagos.
The development comes amid rising cases of cult clashes in the state, which have forced the police command to redeploy some divisional heads.
Although details of the incident remain sketchy, residents confirmed that the Bayeku attack involved the brutal killing of a man whose wrist and leg were severed, while five corpses were later found in Oreta.
A community member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Some people believe that the incident at Bayeku was unrelated to cultism.
“The person who died is not a known cultist. Many in the community think it is connected to land grabbing. They killed the man and severed his hands and legs.”
Another resident, Adeola, said that police operatives were at the Oreta scene to assess the situation.
“Some people are saying it was the river that brought the five bodies to the riverbank. We don’t know the details. But five bodies were recovered.
“We don’t believe the water brought them. The cause of death is still unknown,” Adeola said.
A short video published by Naija Confra, a channel known for exposing cult-related activities, showed some of the corpses by the riverside.
One victim, dressed in a blue hoodie, was seen facedown, while another in a black-and-white shirt lay motionless with bloodstains around the area.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Hammed Aroyewun, confirmed the attacks in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Oluwaseun Ajayi.
The statement partly read, “The incident, which shook the community and heightened fears over safety, drew an immediate response from the Council Chairman.
“Aroyewun, accompanied by the council’s Chief Security Officer, members of the Joint Task Force, and other council officials, promptly arrived at the scene to assess the situation and reassure residents of the government’s firm stance on security.
“Condemning the violence in strong terms, the chairman described the attack as painful, unacceptable, and a direct affront to the peace of Baiyeku.
“He assured the community that the administration, in collaboration with security agencies, is already working to apprehend those responsible and ensure swift justice.
“Our people deserve to live in peace and without fear. This administration will continue to deploy every necessary resource, in close partnership with security agencies, to guarantee safety and restore lasting peace.”
He also urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while security patrols were being intensified across Baiyeku and neighbouring areas.
This latest tragedy follows another cult-related clash reported earlier in the week, when three suspected cultists were murdered during a festival on Lagos Island.
Videos of that incident showed heavy gunfire as rival groups chased one another along deserted streets.
As of press time, calls to the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, were unsuccessful, while WhatsApp messages sent to his phone also went unanswered.