Teen shot dead by suspected cultists in Lagos’ Ikotun area during cash withdrawal

A teenager identified as Chike, reportedly from Delta State, was shot dead by suspected cultists on Sunday in the Ikotun area of Lagos State, sources confirmed.

The victim had traveled to Lagos to visit a friend and was reportedly withdrawing cash from a Point-of-Sale (PoS) operator when the attack occurred.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the teenager and his friend were confronted by a group of young men. Abiodun, who witnessed the incident, told reporters:

“He was coming back from a PoS outlet where he went to withdraw money with his friend when some boys stopped them. They spoke for a short moment, and one of them suddenly shot him. He died on the spot, and the attackers ran away immediately. His friend was not harmed.”

Photographs obtained from the scene showed Chike lying lifeless shortly after the shooting, sparking panic among residents of the neighborhood.

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An anti-cultism advocacy platform reported that the killing may have been cult-related, claiming the assailants demanded valuables before shooting the victim. The platform identified Chike by the nickname “Ejanla” and stated he had traveled from Asaba, Delta State, to see a friend.

According to the report, witnesses said the attackers shouted “Haba-Krier” before and after shooting Chike. Despite attempts by the teenager to hand over cash and gold items, the attackers allegedly shot him before fleeing the scene.

Efforts to reach Abimbola Adebisi, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages were not returned at the time of filing.

Experts and local anti-cultism advocates warn that such incidents highlight growing security challenges in parts of Lagos, urging the authorities to step up measures to curb cult-related violence and protect residents.