William Kayode
Panic and grief swept through the Onireke community in Ojo, Lagos, on Sunday as residents recounted the horrific moments when gunmen stormed a busy snooker spot opposite the Ojo military barracks, killing four people and injuring a 14-year-old boy.
The residents, still shaken by the suddenness of the attack, said the assailants—about five men dressed in native attire—walked into the crowded spot around 9 p.m. on Saturday pretending to be fun-seekers before pulling out rifles and opening fire without warning.
“They came quietly like people who wanted to play a game,” said a resident identified as Akogun. “In seconds, we just heard gunshots everywhere. Everyone started running, and people were falling. The mallam selling noodles beside the snooker spot was the first to die. Nobody even saw how they left because everyone was running for their lives.”
Witnesses said the attackers fired repeatedly before escaping, leaving several victims sprawled on the ground. The 14-year-old boy, who was reportedly buying noodles, was hit by a stray bullet and rushed to the hospital alongside others.
Three of the injured victims later died from gunshot wounds, bringing the death toll to four by Sunday morning. The attack has since thrown the area into mourning and heightened fears of renewed cult-related violence.
Police sources confirmed that the attack was likely connected to a cult clash, though some residents claimed the assailants also robbed people of their phones and cash during the chaos. A source said the police recovered bodies overnight and intensified patrols to prevent further violence.
The Lagos State Police Command said five suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings. They were identified as Victor Christian, 43; Samuel Success, 29; Balogun Emmanuel, 43; Wisdom Chukwuemeka, 28; and Oche Job, 39. Recovered items include firearms, ammunition, pump-action guns, live cartridges, a cutlass, and several mobile phones found in a Toyota Avalon used by the suspects.
Command spokesperson SP Abimbola Adebisi described the incident as a cult clash and confirmed that tactical teams, detectives, and divisional operatives were deployed immediately after the shooting. She said investigations were ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the group.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, praised the operatives for their swift response and assured residents that the command would not relent in its efforts to rid the state of cult-related violence.
Meanwhile, the community remains tense as business owners and residents fear possible reprisal attacks. “We are still scared,” another resident said. “The place has been quiet since yesterday, but everyone knows these people don’t stop at one attack. We just pray the police will stay around this time.”