Three men were brutally killed in Lekki Phase One, Lagos, after being dragged from their makeshift apartment and hacked with machetes. Police are investigating possible cult clashes behind the attack.
Shocking Discovery in Lekki Phase One
Residents of Lekki Phase One, Lagos State, were thrown into panic on Sunday after three men were found brutally murdered in their apartment on Olateju Street.
According to eyewitness accounts, the victims—yet to be formally identified by the police—were attacked in the early hours of the morning. They were reportedly dragged out of their makeshift room and hacked to death by unknown assailants.
The men, believed to be casual labourers in the community, had been living together in a small structure within a building compound where they also carried out odd jobs for residents.
Eyewitness Accounts: “They Were Dragged Out and Killed”
One resident, who identified himself as Alfred, told reporters that the attack was both sudden and brutal.
“The boys lived in a makeshift structure erected on the premises of a building on the street. They were known as labourers who helped with errands. But on Sunday morning, we heard shouting and when people rushed there, the three of them were already lying in a pool of blood with deep machete cuts. We were told the attackers dragged them out of their room before killing them,” he said.
Another member of the Lekki Estate Residents Association (LERA), who requested anonymity, described the attack as unprecedented in the estate’s history.
“This is the first time something like this has happened here. It has left many residents in fear. Security measures are being reviewed urgently,” the resident said.
Panic in Lekki Community
The gruesome killings have unsettled the once-peaceful Lekki Phase One community, which is known for its high-profile residents and strict estate regulations.
Although police were immediately alerted, the motive behind the killings remains unclear. Residents suspect it may be connected to cult clashes or a personal dispute involving the deceased.
For now, locals say they are exercising extreme caution while estate management has stepped up surveillance and security patrols around Olateju Street.
Police Reaction: Awaiting Confirmation
Efforts to reach the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, were unsuccessful as calls and messages to his line went unanswered at press time.
However, sources within the community believe that the killings may not be random but a targeted attack linked to cult-related violence, which has been on the rise in some parts of Lagos.
Similar Attacks in Lagos
This latest incident comes just weeks after a similar machete killing was reported in Lakowe, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos.
In that case, a skit maker identified as Austin was allegedly dragged out of his home by suspected cultists and hacked to death in the early hours of the morning.
The repeated pattern of machete-related killings has raised concerns among Lagos residents about the rising wave of cult-related violence in the state.
Cult Clashes or Something More?
While the true motive remains unconfirmed, community sources suggest the killings might be the result of a long-standing rivalry among cult groups.
Cult-related attacks in Lagos often involve machete violence, with victims dragged from their homes or ambushed in the streets. Police have frequently attributed such attacks to supremacy battles between rival gangs.
However, some residents also speculate the killings could have stemmed from unresolved disputes over work, money, or other personal matters involving the deceased men.
Growing Calls for Security in Lagos Estates
The Lekki killings have renewed calls for tighter security measures in Lagos gated communities. While Lekki Phase One is considered one of the most secure neighborhoods in Lagos, residents are worried about the possibility of targeted killings penetrating estate walls.
Community leaders are now working with security agencies to prevent further attacks. Some residents have also suggested the installation of more CCTV cameras and stricter identification checks at estate entry points.
Conclusion
The brutal murder of three men in Lekki Phase One highlights the growing insecurity in Lagos and raises urgent questions about cult clashes and violent crime in urban communities.
As investigations continue, residents of Olateju Street remain shaken and fearful, hoping that authorities will move quickly to unravel the motive behind the killings and bring the perpetrators to justice.
For now, Lagosians are reminded to stay vigilant, especially in neighborhoods that may be vulnerable to gang-related violence.
