Residents and business owners in the Ebute Meta area of Lagos State are reeling from fear following a wave of suspected cult-related violence that claimed three lives in just two days.

The deadly incidents, which occurred between Sunday and Monday, reportedly involved rival cult groups and resulted in the deaths of three men identified by their street names: Agbara, Butcher, and an unnamed plumber.

Eyewitnesses reported that the first attack took place on Sunday along Lagos Street, where Agbara was ambushed and killed in a gruesome machete assault. His body was later found by residents, bearing multiple deep wounds.

“I was inside when I heard shouting and people running. By the time I got outside, I learned someone had been attacked. We later found Agbara’s body with machete cuts all over,” a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted.

The violence continued the next day, with two more deaths believed to be linked to retaliatory attacks. One of the victims, known as Butcher, was discovered near Makoko with severe neck injuries.

“People called him Butcher because his father sold meat. His body was found wrapped in cloth. He died overnight, and he left behind a pregnant wife,” another resident said.

The third victim, an unidentified plumber, was reportedly dragged through the streets and later found dead under the Abeokuta Street bridge with his throat slit. Locals initially believed the attack was due to a financial dispute, but his death is now suspected to be part of the escalating cult violence.

“This has to end. We need the police to act fast before more lives are lost,” a concerned resident urged.

Community sources allege that the killings are part of an ongoing rivalry between cult groups in the area.

In response, the Lagos State Police Command has announced immediate measures to address the threat. Police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed on Tuesday that Anti-Cultism Squads have been deployed across all Area Commands in the state.

“These squads are trained and equipped to respond rapidly to cult-related incidents,” Hundeyin stated. “Their mandate includes intelligence gathering, rapid response, arrests, and community engagement to dismantle cult networks.”

The police also released emergency contact numbers for residents to report suspicious activity or request assistance:

Area A (Lagos Island): 08035216190

Area B (Apapa): 08033781718

Area C (Surulere): 08035740254

Area D (Mushin): 08030454334

Area E (Festac): 08036883998

Area F (Ikeja): 08134619604

Area G (Ogba): 08033900991

Area H (Ogudu): 08034004076

Area J (Ajah): 08032191689

Area K (Morogbo): 08076134280

Area M (Idimu): 08024248069

Area N (Ijede): 08034806328

Area P (Alagbado): 08090837383

SCID Panti: 08133390333

Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements as investigations and security operations continue.