At least three people were brutally murdered during a masquerader festival that began on Sunday, August 31, 2025, in the Lagos Island area of Lagos State.
The festival, initially a cultural celebration, was hijacked by some members of families involved in the event who are believed to belong to rival cult groups. This transformed the occasion into a deadly supremacy battle.
According to a resident who spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the incident, chaos erupted shortly after the festival ended. “We had just finished the festival when a fight broke out among boys suspected to be cultists.
They started throwing bottles and wielding dangerous weapons. No one tried to calm the situation; everyone ran for cover,” the resident recounted.
Videos circulating on social media captured scenes of heavy gunfire and violent clashes as suspected cult members chased one another along Lagos Street.
In one clip, at least five gunshots were audible, while a group of around ten assailants were seen gang-beating a victim.
Another resident, identified only as Kazeem, reported that the conflict lasted for hours, creating widespread panic in the community. “The fight started in the evening and continued till midnight. Many of us could not sleep because of the violence and loud noise,” he said.
In response, the Lagos State Police Command heightened security in affected areas, including Lekki, Ajah, Ogombo, and Elemoro to protect lives, property, and investments.
The police also redeployed divisional officers and dispatched the specialized Eko Strike Force to reinforce their presence.
A statement from the police disclosed that investigations have commenced into the incident, and numerous arrests have been made.
Twenty-three suspects linked to the cult-related violence were detained for further interrogation. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, personally visited the scene and coordinated the security response.
The masquerader festival clash underscores the persistent menace of cult-related violence in Lagos, threatening public safety and cultural events alike.
The authorities have pledged to intensify efforts to curb such violence and restore peace to the affected communities.
