Suspected Cultists kill four in Ikorodu rampage

Suspected cult members of a six-man gang, over the weekend, shot dead four persons at 24 Road, in the Igbogbo, Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

It was gathered that the suspected cultists arrived the community around 8pm on two motorcycles.

Rasheed Yusuf, aka Low Banger, a 63-year-old native doctor, who was walking along the road, was the first target.

The attackers according to reports also shot at Rasheed’s wife, Falilat, and a two-year-old girl, Kehinde, both died on the spot.

The Punch reports that the heavily armed gunmen reportedly ambushed and shot dead two men, identified as Yusuf Cisco and Lukman Apetu, who were returning from work on a motorcycle. Another person whose identity could not be ascertained at the moment was also killed in the attack.

Policemen from the Ikorodu division and members of a vigilance group in the area were said to have arrived at the area to remove the corpses after the attackers left.

An eyewitness, who did declined anonymity, said the gunmen were on a reprisal attack, adding that they decided to pass their aggression to residents when they didn’t meet their targets.

He said, “Baba (Rasheed), a well-known native doctor in this area, was walking to his son’s shop on Tobalase Street when he heard the gunshots. He was about warning his children to lock the doors when the gunmen shot him.

“They also shot at his wife and a little girl. We rushed the woman and the child to a public hospital where they are still receiving treatments.

“After leaving that spot, they shot at three young men returning from work. Two of them died that evening, while the third died in a hospital later. People were injured by the sporadic shooting. A man, Baba Ogo, was injured in the stomach.”

Another resident, who gave his name only as Qudus, said the cultists came in from the Ebute area of Igbogbo.

He said, “The cult guys are from Ikorodu town. They came in from the Ebute area. We do not know the gang they belong to. Some Onyabo(vigilance group) members have been patrolling this area, but they are arresting innocent residents.

“When we went to bury one of the deceased today (Saturday), the gunmen still shot at someone in the cemetery.”

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the deaths.

She said, “Three suspects have been arrested. They will soon be transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja. The command is on the trail of other suspects.”