By Society Assistant Editor
Ninolowo Gbamboye
Late-Night Attack Shocks Ojo Community
Residents of the Ojo area of Lagos State were thrown into panic on Saturday night after gunmen opened fire on a crowded snooker spot located directly opposite the Ojo military barracks. The attack, which occurred around 9pm on October 4, left four people dead and a 14-year-old boy injured by a stray bullet.
According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen, numbering about five, entered the location dressed in native attire and pretending to be fun-seekers. Once inside, they allegedly pulled out rifles resembling AK-47s and began shooting indiscriminately at the unsuspecting crowd.
Casualties and Chaos
The snooker spot was reportedly full at the time of the shooting, with many residents gathered for leisure activities. Among the victims was a noodles vendor stationed beside the gaming centre, who died instantly from gunshot wounds.
A source said:
“The men came to the snooker spot around 9pm. Being a crowded place, they walked in like regular customers but suddenly pulled out rifles and began shooting. Everyone scattered for safety. The mallam selling noodles just beside the spot was the first to die. No one even knew how they left because the place was in chaos.”
Police sources confirmed that one victim died on the spot while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. By the following morning, three additional fatalities were reported as families notified authorities of loved ones who succumbed to their wounds, bringing the death toll to four. The 14-year-old boy, believed to have been at the scene to buy noodles, remains hospitalised with gunshot injuries.
Cult Clash and Robbery Angle
Preliminary investigations by the Lagos State Police Command indicate that the incident may be connected to a cult clash. Witnesses also reported that the gunmen robbed some patrons of their belongings during and after the shooting spree.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday night. She noted that tactical units of the command, alongside the Divisional Police Officer for the area, were deployed immediately to the scene to restore order and commence a manhunt for the assailants.
Swift Arrests and Recovery of Weapons
In a coordinated operation carried out shortly after the attack, police arrested five suspects believed to be directly involved in the shooting. The suspects were identified as:
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Victor Christian (43)
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Samuel Success (29)
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Balogun Emmanuel (43)
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Wisdom Chukwuemeka (28)
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Oche Job (39)
According to the police, a raid on a nearby hotel used by the suspects led to the recovery of several firearms and other dangerous weapons believed to have been used in the attack.
Items recovered include:
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One locally-made pistol
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Two pump-action guns
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Fifty-two live cartridges and two expended cartridges
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One Toyota Avalon (Reg. No. KTU 610 JB)
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One HP laptop and computer accessories
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Multiple mobile phones, including iPhones and Android devices
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One Federal Republic of Nigeria passport bearing the name Ekomafe Gregory Dickson
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A cutlass and other suspected cult paraphernalia
All recovered items have been documented as exhibits for the ongoing investigation.
Security Beefed Up to Prevent Reprisal Attacks
The police command stated that efforts are underway to apprehend other fleeing members of the group. In the meantime, tactical teams and police patrols have been deployed to the Ojo area to forestall any reprisal attacks and reassure residents of their safety.
SP Adebisi further appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of more suspects linked to the incident.
Community Left in Fear and Mourning
The attack has left the Ojo community shaken, with residents calling for increased security presence around public spots, especially those located near sensitive installations like military barracks. Families of the victims are demanding swift justice and a thorough investigation to ensure the culprits face the full weight of the law.
For now, as the Lagos State Police Command intensifies its crackdown on cult-related violence, the people of Ojo are grappling with the reality of another violent episode in their community — one that claimed four lives and injured an innocent teenager.
