What was meant to be a cultural celebration on Lagos Island turned bloody as at least three people lost their lives during a masquerader festival that kicked off on Sunday.
Though the exact cause of the violence is still unclear, eyewitnesses claim the event was hijacked by suspected cult groups, turning the festivities into a brutal clash for supremacy.
A local resident, who preferred not to be named, recounted how the joyful atmosphere suddenly turned into chaos shortly after the festival ended.
“We had just finished the festival when some boys suspected to be cultists started fighting. They began hurling bottles and using dangerous weapons. Everyone ran for safety,” he said.
Videos circulating online captured the mayhem gunshots rang out as rival groups chased each other through Lagos Street. In one clip, at least five gunshots were heard, while a group of assailants was seen beating a victim mercilessly.
Another resident, Kazeem, confirmed that the violent clash dragged on for hours, leaving the community in fear
and panic.
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