By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, Lagos – The Lagos State Police Command has officially confirmed the brutal murder of a popular shawarma vendor, identified as Afeez, in a suspected cult-related attack that has sent shockwaves through the Araromi-ale community. The incident occurred on Wednesday night at the bustling MTN Bus Stop along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, leaving residents in fear and mourning the loss of a familiar face.
According to eyewitness reports gathered by Punch Metro, the victim was inside his shop attending to customers when unidentified assailants stormed the area. In a swift and violent assault, the attackers targeted Afeez, shooting him dead at the scene.
The brazen attack in a public area has raised serious security concerns among local business owners and commuters who frequent the busy bus stop. An anti-cultism advocacy platform, NaijaConfra, later identified the deceased and linked the killing to suspected cultists, stating it was the result of an unresolved dispute between Afeez and a known cult member.
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In the aftermath of the killing, conflicting narratives have emerged regarding the motive behind the targeted attack. NaijaConfra, in its online report, indicated that some residents pointed to the victim's recent acquisition of a white Toyota Avalon car as a potential trigger for the envy-led violence. Other sources within the community suggested the root of the issue was deeply personal and unrelated to any material possession. These conflicting accounts have complicated the public's understanding of the event, highlighting the need for a thorough police investigation to uncover the truth.
When contacted for an official statement, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident. She provided preliminary details, stating, “According to reports reaching us, the victim was struck on the back of the head by an unidentified assailant. At this time, we cannot link the incident to any individual or group.”
While the police description of the fatal injury differs slightly from initial witness accounts, SP Adebisi assured the public that a full-scale investigation is actively ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and establish a clear motive behind the shocking murder.