Ikorodu
By Dayo Oyewo
Some yet-to-be-identified gunmen suspected to be cultists have killed a popular shawarma vendor identified simply as Benjamin at Ebutte-Ipakodo, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
The victim, also known as Benji, was the owner of the popular Chibest Shawarma in the community.
According to eyewitnesses, the attack occurred on Tuesday, around 8:30 p.m., while Benjamin was attending to customers at his roadside stall.
A resident who identified himself simply as Samson said on Sunday that the unidentified gunmen invaded his fast food spot and shot him at close range.
He added that the attack was linked to a cult-related gang rivalry.
“He was attending to some customers when two guys walked up to him. At first, we thought they came to buy shawarma, but then, they suddenly pulled out guns and shot him multiple times at close range. Everyone on the spot and those who heard the gunshots ran for their lives. We learnt the gunmen were rival cultists who came on a revenge mission,” he narrated.
Another resident who craved anonymity while citing the sensitive nature of the incident said the gunmen fled the scene immediately after the shooting, leaving Benjamin in a pool of blood.
The source said the late Benjamin could not get medical attention on time due to the chaotic situation that followed the attack.
“Benji was left in his pool of blood for a while as no one could go near him due to the way he was shot. It took a little while before some people could move close to the spot. He was later rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead,” the source said.
In a social media post seen by our correspondent on Sunday, the deceased victim was described as hardworking and jovial.
“Benji was not just popular in the area, he was also friendly and related with almost everyone. People in the area are still shocked at what happened and this has also caused panic in the community.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, could not be reached as calls made to his phone were not responded to. A text message sent to him had yet to be replied to as of the time this report was filed.
It was also reported that a 16-year-old boy, identified simply as Mustapha, was killed by a stray bullet during a suspected cult clash in the Oyingbo area of Ebute Metta, Lagos State.
The incident occurred on Monday, April 21, during a peace walk organised by some youths to address rising cult-related violence in the community.
It was gathered that the walk had just concluded when an argument broke out among them.
The argument was said to have later degenerated as a suspected cultist pulled out a firearm and shot indiscriminately, leading to Mustapha getting hit by a stray bullet.
