CITIZENS COMPASS – THREE persons were reportedly shot dead while many others were injured in Lagos State during a clash by rival cultists groups.
The incident was said to have occurred on Wednesday night in Bariga area.
Spokesperson, Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin who confirmed the incident Police were on top of the situation.
Residents said the clash resulted in pandemonium as people were caught unawares until the arrival of law enforcement operatives.
It was gathered that the cult groups were planning to mark their annual celebration 7/ 7 which comes up every July 7, and the clash was part of preparation for the D-day.
July 7 is usually marked with shedding of blood by different cult groups in their quests for supremacy.
Our Correspondent learnt that one of those injured in Bariga is in critical condition in a hospital.
It was gathered that the clash was orchestrated by battle for supremacy which started last week when each cult group announced that it was preparing for a 7/7 programme, and warned residents to remain indoor at night.
A resident who simply gave his name as Atanda said,” one cult group would announce that we should remain indoors, a few minutes later , another group would issue warnings that we should disregard the other one, yet another would come again to give a counter order.
“With the announcements so far, we have been able to gather that there are three different cult groups battling for control of the area.
” We were shocked yesterday night (Wednesday) when they took their battle to a new level by shooting . The sporadic shooting started around Idi-Aba area popularly known to be hideouts of notorious cultists, and major base of drug dealers.
“The shooting spread towards Akilo, Sungas, and inwards Olorunkemi street in Shomolu, where innocent passersby sustained varying degrees of injury.
“We went inside our home, but people returning from work or returning from journeys had to run for safety. We couldn’t come out ,till early morning today (Thursday), when dead bodies littered the streets.
“At least, five persons were killed during the battle. Presently, one person I know very well is in a coma in the hospital. The way I saw him, he may not survive it as his family are not able to deposit money as instructed by the hospital management.
” We are calling on the Commissioner of Police Mr Idowu Owohunwa to come to our rescue as the cultists have sent messages to some areas that they would the killing of their gang members starting from tomorrow (Thursday) as part of their activities.
Responding, Hundeyin said,”Three people died during the clash. We are aware of the cult war. The number of casualties is three”.
