Tragedy struck in the Ebutte-Ipakodo area of Ikorodu, Lagos State, as a popular shawarma vendor, simply identified as Benjamin, was shot dead by suspected cultists on Tuesday evening.
The victim, fondly known in the community as Benji, owned the well-patronized Chibest Shawarma stand and was reportedly attending to customers at his roadside spot when the attack occurred around 8:30 p.m.
Eyewitnesses recounted that two unidentified men approached Benjamin under the guise of purchasing food. However, in a sudden and violent twist, they pulled out firearms and shot him multiple times at close range.
A resident named Samson, who spoke to PUNCH Metro, said, “He was attending to some customers when two guys walked up to him. At first, we thought they came to buy shawarma, but then, they suddenly pulled out guns and shot him multiple times. Everyone ran for their lives. We later heard it was linked to a cult-related revenge mission.”
Another resident, who preferred to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the case, revealed that the assailants fled the scene immediately after the shooting, leaving Benjamin in a pool of blood. The chaotic aftermath reportedly delayed medical intervention, and Benjamin sadly succumbed to his injuries.
As of the time of this report, police authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while investigations are expected to commence into what residents believe is a case of gang rivalry between cult groups. The killing has thrown the community into mourning and raised concerns over rising insecurity in the area.