A routine cultural celebration in the Orile Iganmu area of Lagos State, Nigeria turned tragic on Tuesday when gunfire broke out during the annual Igunnuko masquerade festival, resulting in the deaths of three people. Multiple residents confirmed that the violence was linked to a confrontation between suspected rival cult groups.
The Igunnuko festival, which attracts large crowds each year, features the appearance of a tall traditional masquerader believed to bring blessings and protection to the community. According to locals, the masquerader had only just begun its procession when groups of armed youths reportedly started firing shots behind it—a practice some described as a misguided show of bravado commonly seen during such events.
However, witnesses said the situation escalated when suspected members of one cult group allegedly turned their weapons toward rival members instead of firing harmlessly into the air. A resident identified as Toyosi stated that three individuals were struck by bullets, and several others were injured as crowds dispersed in panic.
Another community member, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, expressed shock over the incident. He explained that the festival historically symbolizes peace and unity within the neighbourhood and rarely experiences any form of violence. “This festival is meant to foster harmony. What happened this year is completely out of place,” he said.
The clash caused chaos across the area, with attendees scrambling for safety as the confrontation intensified. An anti-cultism organisation, Naija Confra, later reported on social media that two of the victims were left at the scene while one body was removed by associates. The group also claimed that one of the suspected attackers fled Lagos shortly after the incident.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered at the time of filing this report.
The violence adds to a string of cult-related incidents recently recorded in parts of Nigeria. Earlier in the week, two men were reportedly killed in a separate suspected cult clash in the Agbarho area of Delta State.
Source:Africa Publicity
