Gunmen opened fire at a crowded snooker spot near a military barracks in Ojo, Lagos State, on Saturday night, killing four people and injuring a 14-year-old boy.
The attack happened around 9 p.m. at Onireke bus stop, opposite the Ojo military barracks. Witnesses said the gunmen, about five in number, arrived dressed in native attire and pretended to be customers before suddenly opening fire.
A resident identified as Akogun told PUNCH Metro that panic broke out as people ran for safety.
He said, “The men came around 9 p.m., walked into the snooker spot, and started shooting. Everyone ran for their lives. The mallam selling noodles nearby was the first to die. No one even knew when they left because the whole place scattered.”
Three other victims, who fled with gunshot wounds, later died in the hospital, bringing the total number of deaths to four. The teenage boy injured in the attack was reportedly hit by a stray bullet while buying noodles.
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A police source confirmed that the additional deaths were reported the following morning.
“We found one person dead at the scene, but by Sunday morning, relatives came to report three more deaths,” the source said.
Residents said the attackers may have been cultists or armed robbers.
One resident claimed the gunmen stole phones and cash during the shooting. “Some said they were cultists because of the slang they shouted. Others said they also robbed people as they left,” he added.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident and announced the arrest of five suspects believed to be involved. Police spokesperson SP Abimbola Adebisi said the attack was linked to a cult clash.
“The tactical squad and detectives led a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of five suspects,” she said.
The suspects are Victor Christian (43), Samuel Success (29), Balogun Emmanuel (43), Wisdom Chukwuemeka (28), and Oche Job (39).
According to Adebisi, police recovered several weapons and items from the suspects, including one locally made pistol, two pump-action guns, 52 live cartridges, two expended cartridges, and a Toyota Avalon car. Phones, laptops, and other personal belongings were also recovered.
She said investigations were ongoing and that efforts were being made to arrest other fleeing gang members.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, commended officers for their quick response and assured residents that the police were determined to end cult violence in Lagos.
He urged the public to “remain calm, law-abiding, and report any suspicious movements to the nearest police station.”