Bride’s Dad, Entertainer Shot Dead At Ikotun, Lagos Wedding Party
Two men, identified as the father of the bride, and an entertainer have been shot dead by suspected cultists at a wedding party holding at an events centre on Governors Road in the Ikotun area of Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident, but did not provide the victims’ full identities.
“The matter is being investigated; it will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti unfailingly,” she said.
Reports said the incident occurred on Saturday at Oviawe Street in the community shortly after a wedding ceremony had been concluded and guests had moved to an after-party.
Armed assailants stormed the venue while the celebration was still ongoing, as guests scampered for safety.
A resident who identified himself simply as Tosin said the solo musician, Victor, was entertaining guests when the attackers struck.
“They were holding an after-party after the wedding ceremony was held at an event centre on Governor’s Road. It was during the celebration that the gunmen entered their midst and opened fire indiscriminately,” Tosin said.
“All those present ran for their lives. They then went straight to Victor, dragged him outside onto the street and started hitting him with dangerous weapons.”
Another resident, who did not want his name mentioned due to the sensitive nature of the incident, said the bride’s father, who was uncomfortable with the attack, decided to intervene and was shot in the process.
“When the gunmen were beating Victor, the bride’s father rushed to the spot to intervene and plead for him. It was in the process that the gunmen shot both of them. They died on the spot,” the source said.
It was gathered that the incident threw the community into confusion, as residents and business owners rushed indoor.
The source further disclosed that the attack might not have been directly connected to the wedding but could be linked to ongoing rival cult clashes in the community.
“This area has been experiencing cult-related issues for some time. It is possible that the attackers were trailing someone or targeting a rival, but innocent people ended up as victims,” the source added.
Speaking about one of the victims, a resident who preferred anonymity, said Victor was a known person in the community.
“I was inside when my wife told me that something had happened outside. When I got outside, I was told Victor was involved in the incident. It was later that I realised that he was someone I usually see on our street. He has a small stature.”
