5 Killed in Cult Violence in Lagos as Police Arrest 18 Suspects

At least five people have been killed following renewed cult-related violence in the Ilemba-Awori axis of Lagos State, as rival gangs clashed in parts of Ojo Local Government Area over the weekend.

The violence, which spread across the Etegbin, Ilemba, and Shibiri communities, reportedly began in Etegbin before escalating into wider confrontations that left residents fleeing for safety. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as gunshots rang out and armed youths moved through streets with guns, machetes, and other dangerous weapons.

According to residents, the first casualty occurred on Friday at Etegbin waterside, where a young man was shot dead shortly after playing football. Witnesses said the attackers cornered him before opening fire, killing him instantly.

The clashes intensified into Saturday evening, with reports of looting and robbery accompanying the violence. Several shops were reportedly forced to shut as traders and residents ran for cover to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

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A trader identified as Esther said she abandoned her shop and fled with her child after spotting armed youths advancing along Shibiri Road, describing the situation as chaotic and frightening.

Victims of the violence were said to be young men in their 20s and 30s, and their bodies have been deposited in a mortuary as investigations continue.

The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that it has launched a full-scale operation to curb further escalation and restore normalcy in the affected communities. Authorities disclosed that 18 suspects have been arrested in connection with the clashes.

The arrested individuals are expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti for further interrogation and prosecution.

Security operatives have since intensified patrols across the affected areas to prevent reprisal attacks and maintain order, while monitoring known flashpoints linked to cult activities.

Cult-related violence remains a recurring security concern in parts of Lagos, often triggered by rivalry between groups seeking territorial dominance. Authorities have repeatedly warned against involvement in such activities, stressing that perpetrators will face prosecution.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid violent hotspots, and report suspicious movements to law enforcement agencies as investigations continue into the latest outbreak of violence.

5 Killed in Cult Violence in Lagos as Police Arrest 18 Suspects

FCT Police Arrest 7 Over NURTW Clash, Deny Claims of Shooting at Members

The Nigeria Police Force, through the FCT Police Command, has denied social media reports alleging that its officers opened fire on members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) during a violent clash at the union’s Garki II headquarters in Abuja.

Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, described the claims as false and misleading, stressing that officers responded strictly to restore order following a distress call about a confrontation between rival factions of the union.

According to the command, the incident occurred on Monday morning along Sapele Street at the NURTW headquarters, where a large group allegedly stormed the premises in an attempt to enforce a court order. The police noted that the group did not arrive with court sheriffs or authorized officials, a situation that contributed to the escalation of tensions.

Authorities said about 300 individuals, reportedly armed with cutlasses, bottles, bows, and arrows, were involved in the confrontation. The situation reportedly turned violent when another group resisted the attempted takeover, leading to a physical clash within the premises.

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During the operation, police officers arrested seven suspects at the scene. The individuals identified include Sularman Musa, Nasiru Ibrahim, Alhaji Sadisu Musa, Dalha Suleiman, Abdullahi Garba, Saheed Fojebi, and Ibikunle Baruwa. The suspects have since been arraigned at Magistrate Court 1 in Wuse Zone 2.

The police further disclosed that one victim sustained severe machete injuries to the neck and was rescued by operatives, while several others with varying degrees of injuries were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The command firmly denied allegations that its personnel discharged firearms during the incident, maintaining that officers acted professionally and focused on containing the situation without the use of lethal force.

Following the intervention, normalcy has reportedly been restored to the area, with security personnel maintaining a presence around the NURTW secretariat to prevent further disturbances.

The FCT Police Command also urged the public to disregard misinformation circulating online and to rely on verified updates from official sources. It encouraged residents to assist security agencies by reporting suspicious activities through its emergency contact lines: 08032003913 and 08061581938.

The incident forms part of ongoing tensions within the NURTW, as rival factions continue to dispute leadership and control of the union’s structures. Security agencies have maintained heightened surveillance in key areas to prevent further clashes and ensure public safety.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding lives and property while encouraging all parties involved in the dispute to pursue peaceful and lawful channels in resolving their differences.

FCT Police Arrest 7 Over NURTW Clash, Deny Claims of Shooting at Members

Dangote Warns Oil Price Shock May Force Nigeria to Adopt Remote Work Policies

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has warned that escalating tensions in the Middle East could push Nigeria and other African nations toward adopting remote work policies as a response to rising fuel costs and broader economic instability.

Dangote made the remarks on Monday after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, where discussions reportedly touched on the implications of global energy market volatility for African economies already facing fiscal constraints.

He expressed concern that many African countries lack sufficient financial buffers to withstand external shocks such as sustained increases in global oil prices. According to him, limited savings and heavy reliance on daily income make both governments and households particularly vulnerable to economic disruptions.

Dangote noted that if the situation in the Middle East continues to worsen, governments may be compelled to rethink traditional work arrangements in order to reduce commuting costs and ease pressure on transportation systems. He suggested that remote work and hybrid work models, which gained global prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, could again become necessary.

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“In some countries today, what they’ve done is ask everybody to work from home because they cannot afford it… If this doesn’t de-escalate, people will really feel the pinch,” he said.

He also pointed to examples from other countries where reduced workweeks and flexible schedules have been introduced as part of broader efforts to manage energy consumption and maintain economic productivity under pressure.

The warning comes amid concerns that prolonged instability in the Middle East could disrupt global oil supply routes, including strategic passages such as the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global crude oil and petroleum products pass. Any disruption to this corridor could trigger further spikes in fuel prices worldwide.

Economic analysts say such increases would likely have a direct impact on transportation costs, inflation, and the cost of goods and services across Africa. In Nigeria, where many businesses rely heavily on generators due to inconsistent power supply, higher fuel prices could significantly increase operating expenses.

Dangote emphasized that the effects would be most severe for small-scale enterprises and informal sector workers who depend on daily earnings. Businesses such as barbershops, bakeries, and small manufacturing outfits, he noted, are particularly exposed due to their reliance on fuel-powered generators and limited access to alternative energy sources.

He further observed that governments in the region may find it difficult to significantly increase salaries or provide widespread financial support in response to rising costs, given existing budgetary limitations.

Dangote’s comments reflect growing concerns among policymakers and economists about the potential ripple effects of global energy shocks on developing economies. While remote work may not be applicable across all industries—especially sectors requiring physical presence—it could offer relief in administrative, tech, and service-based roles by reducing commuting expenses and improving flexibility.

As global energy markets remain volatile, Dangote’s warning highlights the need for adaptive economic strategies that can help countries manage external shocks while maintaining productivity and stability.

Dangote Warns Oil Price Shock May Force Nigeria to Adopt Remote Work Policies