Panic spread across communities in Ikorodu, Lagos State, after five lifeless bodies were recovered along the Oreta riverbank in Igbogbo.
A day earlier, another man was gruesomely murdered in Bayeku, heightening concerns over renewed cult-related violence in the area.
Findings suggested the incidents may be linked to the recent surge in cult clashes that have rocked parts of Lagos, forcing police authorities to reshuffle divisional heads in an attempt to curb the violence.
Residents said the Bayeku attack involved the brutal killing of a man whose wrist and leg were severed, while the discovery of five corpses at Oreta deepened fears of a looming gang war.
A community member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “Some people believe that the incident at Bayeku was unrelated to cultism. The person who died is not a known cultist. Many in the community think it is connected to land grabbing. They killed the man and severed his hands and legs.”
Another resident, Adeola, added: “Some people are saying it was the river that brought the five bodies to the riverbank. We don’t know the details. But five bodies were recovered. We don’t believe the water brought them. The cause of death is still unknown.”
Confirming the development, the Executive Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Hammed Aroyewun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Oluwaseun Ajayi, condemned the killings, describing them as “painful, unacceptable, and a direct affront to the peace of Baiyeku.”
He assured residents that security patrols have been intensified while those behind the attacks would be tracked down and brought to justice.