Etim Effiong
Four people including a member of Laara family (Omo ni le), Lanre, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, was gunned down on Sunday evening by suspected cult members.
On Monday, businesses at Laara and adjoining communities were shut as the entire area was wrapped in fear.
Lanre was said to have been traced to a hotel in the area, where he was shot dead by the assailants.
Another man also killed was an Ibo businessman, who used to cook dog pepper soup.
Sources told our correspondent that apart from those killed, another man and Ibo motorcycle spares parts seller was shot, noting that he is receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Laara and Igbogbo would avenge the death of Lanre and three others who were killed by the hoodlums.
“The entire Laara and Igbogbo communities are mourning the killing of their son and owner of Excel Aluminium, Lanre and other three people, who were killed by the hoodlums.
“The killing is excessive. Last month more than 14 people were killed in separate cult attacks.
“Businesses are suffering. Shops have not been opening for some days because of frequent killing due to cult attacks.
“If they continue in spilling blood, the area will be abandoned by business men and women; people do not invest in areas where lives and property are not secured.
“It was later around 7.28pm, yesterday’s evening, when the cultists had left before a police van was seen at Genti.
“Their van was also seen this morning (Monday morning) around 10.46 going to Laara,” the resident said.
It was also learnt that a mechanic at Laara, who forgot his mobile telephone and went back to take it, was held and beaten with machete and sticks.
It was gathered that two Hausa traders were also killed in the attack.
Our correspondent has not been able to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, SP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, for comments as he was not audible when our correspondent spoke with him.
He has yet to respond to text message which was also sent to him.